MPFT Co-production seeks diverse members for their Lived Experience Advisory Group on local Mental Health Services.
Fiona Burns is the Continuous Improvement Co-Production Lead with Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust. She has asked us to reach out to those with lived experience of mental health for the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) and says:
‘If you are passionate about influencing your local mental health services, walk with us on this journey and join our diverse, supportive and inclusive Lived Experience Advisory Group
We welco
me people (of any age) who are:
- Service users or carers
- From a racially or ethnically minoritised community
We want to better the needs of your communities by inviting you to share what matters to you, whether this is something that works well or any challenges you have experienced.
No prior knowledge is necessary – your lived experience is what matters and we’ll provide all the support you need
Our next meeting is on
- Thursday 25th September from 4.00-6.00pm
If you are interested in joining us or want more information, please contact: Fiona Burns – fiona.burns@mpft.nhs.uk”
There is more information here: PCREF LEAG Information sheet
Just to note:
PCREF was co-developed with racialised communities, patients and carers – however it is important to acknowledge that current legislative terminology used to describe certain race and cultural identity does not always reflect people’s unique needs and lived experiences. The term “minority” is used in the context of PCREF to refer to individuals from racialized and ethnic minority groups who may experience disparities in mental health care. Current terminology refers to people who were previously classed as ‘ethnic minorities’ or ‘BAME’ as, in the context of PCREF, ‘communities experiencing racial/ethnic inequality’ or ‘racialised and ethnically and culturally diverse communities’
Health Inequalities Data
At their meeting in August 2025 they shared some of their health inequality information from the NHS Race and Health Observatory and how this compares to the data they have for their services – here’s a summary of that information:
- Access to Adult Mental Health Services – Black and Mixed groups access services at higher rates but in small numbers, while Asian and White Minority groups have the poorest recovery outcomes (less than 50% achieving reliable recovery)
- Access to Children & Young People’s Mental Health Services – Asian and Black groups have the lowest access rates, suggesting possible unmet need.
- Mental Health Act Detentions – Black and Other ethnic groups are detained under the Mental Health Act at much higher rates, while White groups show the lowest rates.
- Restrictive Practices – Black and Other ethnic groups experience the highest rates of restrictive interventions.
Measurement Survey
They are also looking for help in deciding what they are going to measure to make sure that PCREF has made a positive difference to people using their services, carers, family members and their communities.
Fiona says: “We are passionate about making sure that our communities have been involved in our decisions as to what we are going to measure and also to let us know if there are other ideas that we may have missed that are not included in the form. We are asking people to vote on the most important measures (we are going to be looking at the top 3 or 4 measures which we would like to prioritise).”
You can help them decide their priorities using this form: https://forms.office.com/e/R4ypbZLds5
or use this QR code.
Next meetings:
- Monday 27th October from 12.00midday-2.00pm
- Friday 28th November from 9.00-10.30am
- Wednesday 17th December from 12.00midday to 2.00pm
