Shaping research

Working together to make a difference

Research can lead to discovery, hope, improved quality of life and a wide range of other potential benefits for people experiencing mental health issues, their families and society as a whole. Over the past decade significant progress has been made in mental health and dementia research but there is still a lot to learn.

The first hand knowledge and experience of people who have used services plays an important part in the development of research that is relevant and likely to benefit people. There is a large number of research studies that are running within CPFT and people with lived experience have made a valuable contribution by working alongside researchers as ‘service user and carer advisors or researchers’. People have been involved in many ways, including helping to initiate and design research, making sure the research is relevant, advising on and reviewing project applications, as well as carrying out research, sharing the results of a research project and putting them into practice.

Find out more about service user and carer involvement.

How to get involved

If you are interested in shaping our research you can join the Service User and Carer Research Group (SUCRG).  As a member of the group you will receive information about opportunities to get involved in local mental health and dementia research.  You will also be invited to our networking meetings and to any other events. 

We can offer training and support and the opportunity to work alongside researchers and clinicians to develop research that benefits service users and carers.

No previous experience of research is required! If you have had lived experience of mental health issues or dementia, you are interested in research and you are willing to contribute and work as part of a team, you are welcome to join the group.

Watch the short video below introducing our User and Carer R&D Manager Iliana Rokkou and please get in touch if you would like to help shape research at CPFT.

As a patient

As a patient, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support. 

Patient Advice and Liaison service  Contact the Trust