The Involvement Network is a service user involvement group run by Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies. It is not a support or self-help group.
Many service users want to be involved in the future of shaping the service. Service user and Carer involvement is at the centre of our values. The group offers meaningful opportunities for improving how we deliver talking therapies. The Involvement Network will meet online every two months via Microsoft Teams. ,
Our next online meeting will take place via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday 28th January 2026, between 5:00pm-6:00pm.
We are keen to listen to people who have used our services, so that we can action valuable feedback, understand what works well, what doesn’t work well and make plans for improvements.
We welcome involvement from service users and carers who have previously used our services. We value everyone’s own personal experience and welcome people from diverse backgrounds, abilities and needs.
Definitions: We acknowledge and recognise that people may wish to be addressed by different terms such as service user, client, patient, expert by experience, person with lived experience etc., For simplicity we will use the term service user to define all who use our services. The term ‘carer’ refers to a relative, friend or neighbour who provides unpaid help and support to our service users.
There are many ways you can get involved in helping to shape and develop the Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies. Involvement can include:
- Identify and drive forward new initiative to ensure mental health services are accessible to all.
- Review services and provide feedback.
- Help to plan, develop and design better policies and services for the future.
- Review promotional materials including printed materials and digital channels (website and social media).
- Support ongoing projects to improve access and service to individuals including Perinatal, Men, Older Adults, Young people, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) etc.
- Help with ad hoc patient surveys in various service areas.
Alongside our regular bi-monthly meeting we may ask our Involvement Network members to volunteer to support additional activities including providing advice on working group projects, innovation projects such as new webinars, animations and videos and/or produce a service user story based on your journey with our service.
Previous projects supported by Involvement Network members include:
- Recovery Stories: click here for more information.
- How to get the most out of your group therapy: click here for more information.
- Long COVID and emotional wellbeing video: click here for more information.
Members may get involved in stand-alone projects, attend our regular bi-monthly meetings, or participate in both, depending on their interests and availability.
Below are the current projects open for recruitment. If any of these catch your eye, you can express your interest by completing the registration form:
- Video Project (Diabetes Focus): We invite people with long term conditions, particulary diabetes, to participate in filmed interviews about their journey and experience with our service.
- Video Feedback Project: We’re seeking service users who initially had reservations or low confidence but self-referred or were referred by a professional and attended therapy to participate in a filmed interview.
- Podcast Series – ‘Let’s Open Up’: Our audio podcasts feature informal and relaxed conversations on topics like therapy, health, and work. Each episode includes different guests discussing questions such as “How do you know when you need therapy?”
- Recovery Stories: Share your personal written story about the challenges you’ve faced and how the service supported your recovery. These stories can be published anonymously to protect your privacy.
If you would like to be involved, your valued help can make a big difference to our understanding of individual’s needs. This means we can improve our services more effectively.
• Having your views listened to, and exploring new ideas to help others access support to improve their wellbeing.
• Working together with other members and staff to positively influence and drive forward service development.
• Having an opportunity to use your personal skills and experience to improve mental health services.
• Communicating with new people and connecting with local communities.
• Raising your self-esteem and confidence whilst assisting with your ongoing recovery.
There are many ways for you to be involved and we welcome your ideas on areas you could support. Click here to complete the registration form.
Please email our team if you have any questions or queries: hpft.talkingtherapiesgetinvolved@nhs.net
