The LiVE Project trains and supports its members to become actively involved in improving local mental health services. It is a project for people with experience of mental health issues – their own or someone they care for.

Participation in the LiVE project encourages, supports, empowers and enables service users and carers to become involved in the mental health services affecting their lives.

We believe that the best way to create services that users want to see, is to involve the people who use and are affected by them, in the process of service development.

People who have experienced mental health issues themselves bring unique expertise and experience that, when listened to and acted upon, plays an invaluable role in improving services.

Taking part in LiVE project activities has also proven to be a really beneficial part of people’s lives – increasing skills and confidence as well as professional and social opportunities.

	Are consulted on their views at informal themed focus groups, via surveys, in mental health research etc
	Meet with mental health Service Providers of all levels as experts by experience
	Take part in recruitment and selection of relevant staff and University students
	Get involved in training relevant staff and University students
	Use their unique experiences to improve mental health services for themselves and others
	Receive training, one to one support and access to lots of useful news and information

	Running an innovative and successful patient feedback project at Mill View and sitting on their management forum
	Training and mentoring students at Brighton, Sussex and Surrey Universities
	Consulting on the assessment procedures for local Access and Recovery services
	Reviewing Service Providers’ policy documents
	Liaising with local agencies about employment and training in the city
	Inputting to a new mental health GP liaison project

The LiVE team meets regularly for peer support, information swapping and relevant workshops.

The LiVE Project also facilitates the mental health Gateway meetings, a quarterly public forum where attendees can discuss the latest issues in service provision with the Primary Care Trust and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Service Opening Hours
The Live Project operates 09.30am-5.30pm on Monday-Thursday. Please click here for contact details.

Project Funding
The Live Project is funded by Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust.

Downloads
Working Age Mental Health Strategy Consultation Meetings 
Gateway Meeting Minutes December 2009 
Well Being and Recovery Report 
Role of Direct Payments Service 
Mental Health Act Changes 
Service User Charter 
Being Heard: One Year On