Four champions have been recruited for this project, which runs until March 2010. All have had experience of mental health services and used direct payments or individual budgets to support recovery/management of their mental health.
This is part of the national Putting Us First project which was initiated by Mind and is being managed by the Norah Fry Research Centre, part of Bristol University. Other partners are Health and Social Care Advisory Service and Southampton Centre for Independent Living.
The Mental Health Champions project aims to ensure that more people with mental health support needs receive a personalised approach.
Various products have been developed, and a conference has already been held. This phase concentrates on setting up and supporting four projects in England that will help to push forward personalisation in mental health. This will be done by the service user 'Champions' who will fly the flag for personalisation in mental health.