Service user involvement

Do you have experience of using our service?

If the answer is yes then you will have views and ideas that are important for us to hear about!

You could help us to make improvements and we would value your input.

We have two iCope advisory groups, an iCope Camden Advisory Group (CAG) and an iCope Islington Advisory Group (IAG). If you would like to join one of our advisory groups then we would love to hear from you.

Our aim is to involve as many people who have used iCope services in helping us to plan, shape and co-produce the services that we offer. We encourage people from all ages and all community groups to join.

What are the benefits of joining?
  • Use your knowledge and experiences as a user of iCope services to help us shape our service for the better!
  • Find out about opportunities to be involved in interviewing and recruiting iCope staff.
  • Influence change in the NHS by sharing your views with politicians, members of parliament (MPs), commissioners and Trust directors.
  • Improve and co-produce iCope services through consultation with us in iCope and our NHS Trust.
  • Help to reduce stigma and misunderstanding about mental health through mental health promotion in the local community and nationally.
  • Learn about and engage with local community events, businesses and partners.
  • Strengthen your CV and have fun meeting new people along the way.
What can I expect at meetings?

This is not a therapy group and so you will not be expected to discuss any personal issues.

All meetings are currently taking place online using a virtual platform which is accessible via a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

Meetings take place once every 2-3months and the topics discussed vary each time.

Attenders are encouraged to help us think about different aspects of our service and give us guidance on the topics covered. We sometimes have guest speakers too.

A list of agenda items are generated before each meeting and a summary of each meeting is also shared with all members of our advisory group mailing lists.

Testimonials

People who have attended our advisory groups in the past report that they found them productive, enjoyable, and worthwhile, as they felt their ideas were taken on board.

“I find it very rewarding to attend the advisory group as a former service user. It’s good to be able to give my perspective on how this already excellent service (in my experience), can be improved. The group gives me a safe space to make suggestions on how iCope could perhaps try new things to help service users to continue to build on their recovery following treatment.”

“The group seemed quite small at my first meeting but the welcome was very warm and I could see that all contributions were deemed important. Of course, being new I felt unable to contribute much, but I resolved to attend the next meeting and I can honestly say that over the past fifteen months or so I have seen a great number of positive developments within the group.”

How do I sign up?

If you would like to know more about our iCope Camden and iCope Islington advisory groups then please contact us by email:

Feedbackicope@Candi.nhs.uk

Alternatively, please phone us – contact details here.

A copy of our latest iCope Camden Advisory Group leaflet is also available here.