In order to improve these services it is vitally important that the experiences and views of carers are listened to and acted upon.

We believe we make a difference by working together.

The involvement of carers is very much needed:

• To give carers a real say in what services are working well and how they are delivered
• To ensure planners and managers hear about services which are not effective or supportive
• To ensure services respect people's dignity, independence and promote recovery
• To ensure carers get the help and advice they need when they need it
• To influence the development of new and better services

Who are we?

The Mental Health Carers Involvement Project Team is funded by NHS Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire County Council and has been in operation since 2007.

The Project Team has two Involvement Workers, one covering the west of the county: St Albans, Dacorum, Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Watford, and one covering the east: Broxbourne, East Herts, North Herts, Stevenage and Welwyn/Hatfield. They are led by the Carers Involvement Manager.

What do we do?

Mental Health Involvement Workers will:

• Provide you with the training and support you may need to help you represent your views and those of other carers to the health and social care authorities who commission and manage mental health services in Hertfordshire
• Provide you with the opportunity to meet and talk to other carers who have had similar experiences to your own
• Hold a Carers' Forum, which meets regularly to share information and concerns and to agree responses to proposals for changes to mental health services. There are a number of regular meetings and events where carers' views are welcomed and where we have the opportunity to influence service developments.

For those carers who are unable to attend regular meetings, we organise a Carers' Involvement Network where you can tell us about your experiences of services by email, telephone conversations, responding to surveys or attending one-off workshops.

Our Involvement workers will be pleased to receive your views and thoughts in ways that suit you best.

Join us and together we can help improve your local mental health services