Tag Archives: healthcare improvement

Have Your Say: Supporting Safer Mental Health Discharge for Black Communities

If you’ve supported someone through a stay in mental health services, your experience could help improve care for others.

Researchers at The University of Manchester are inviting people with lived experience—including carers to take part in an online workshop focused on improving how mental health services support people during hospital discharge, particularly for individuals from Black heritage communities.

Reason for research

Evidence shows that people from Black communities often face poorer outcomes in mental health care, including barriers to access and challenges during discharge from hospital.

To address this, researchers are working to make future services and research more inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in real experiences. Hearing directly from carers is a key part of that work .

Who is running this?

The workshop is being led by Dr Natasha Tyler, a Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, as part of work linked to improving future research and care approaches.

The session will also be supported by facilitators with lived experience, including carers, to ensure discussions are grounded and meaningful .

Who can take part?

You may be interested if you:

  • Have cared for someone who has been an inpatient in adult mental health services
  • Have experience of discharge from mental health care
  • Want to share your perspective to improve future support

What’s involved?

  • Format: Online (MS Teams)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Dates: Sessions planned between 23rd April and 8th May 2026
  • Payment: £60 as a thank-you for your time

Participants will receive questions in advance to help prepare for the discussion.

Why get involved?

Taking part is a chance to:

  • Help shape future mental health research and services
  • Ensure carers’ voices are included in decision-making
  • Contribute to reducing inequalities in care
  • Share your experience in a supportive environment

How to express interest

If you’d like to take part, you can follow the link in the invitation to share your availability or contact the research team directly.

https://doodle.com/meeting/organize/id/dwy8n1Ma

You’re also welcome to share this opportunity with others who may be interested. For more info, contact Dr Natasha at natasha.tyler@manchester.ac.uk

Join Voice – Amplifying the Voices of Cancer Patients and Carers at St George’s Hospital

By Matthew McKenzie – Cancer Carer group

At St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, people affected by cancer are placed at the heart of everything they do. Whether you’re a patient receiving treatment, a family member, a carer, or part of a local cancer support group, your experiences and insights are invaluable in shaping the way the hospital cancer services are delivered.

That’s why Voice exists.

See link below for more details.

Voice – Cancer patients & carers user group

What is Voice?

Voice is a dedicated patient and carer group that works closely with the Cancer Team at St George’s. It provides a vital forum for sharing experiences, ideas, and suggestions that directly influence how services are planned, developed, and improved.

By joining Voice, you’ll:

  • Represent the perspectives of patients and carers.
  • Share what works well in cancer pathways and highlight areas for improvement.
  • Help identify priorities for local cancer services.
  • Be kept informed of new cancer services and projects.
  • Take part in health and wellbeing events.
  • Have the chance to help design new services or join the core group guiding the support group.

Why carers are especially needed

Carers play a unique and vital role in the cancer journey. Their insights into the challenges and realities of supporting a loved one through treatment provide perspectives that professionals and even patients themselves may not always see.

Right now, Voice is especially looking for more carers to join, ensuring their voices are fully represented in shaping services.

How to get involved

Becoming a member of Voice is free. By joining, you’ll be part of a welcoming community committed to making cancer care better for everyone.

To find out more or sign up, contact the Macmillan Information and Support Centre:

Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.