Involved in research and education since 2000
About Us
In the pages of this section, you can find out more about our history, read our annual report and leaflets, and see information on how to join.
Service Users in Research and Education – Suresearch
Suresearch was established in the year 2000, and is based at University of Birmingham. We are a Midlands network of people who have used and/or survived mental health services and their allies-mental health workers, academics, carers, and others interested in mental health issues.
We are an unincorporated voluntary organisation governed by a constitution which you can view here.
Our Mission
Suresearch supports its members to get involved in mental health research and training of clinical staff, both to improve the quality of this work and to improve the mental well-being of the members involved.
Members’ experiences of Suresearch
First impressions
“About twenty years ago I was in a very dark place following a divorce when I heard about Suresearch. I knew I had to reach out and find a positive new way forward with my life. Once I realised I was not being judged and actually being accepted instead, in spite of my mental health difficulties, I was able to overcome my depression and have confidence in myself again. It’s good to talk!”
Aims
Suresearch aims to promote service user involvement in mental health education and training, research and services development by:
- educating and influencing mental health educators, trainers, researchers, and service providers about the need for service user input;
- identifying opportunities for our members to be involved in mental health research, consultancy and education;
- providing the training necessary for this involvement;
- supporting service users to use their expertise and experiences to improve the quality of mental health education and research in the West Midlands.
Suresearch aims to empower its members by:
- helping them to use their difficult experiences for the benefit of our communities;
- sharing opportunities for involvement so that each individual can find involvement suitable for them;
- providing a safe space to share problems they may encounter with these involvement activities and to receive support with solving them;
- providing opportunities to work together on projects as a group, including responding to guest speakers who want feedback about their own projects;
- encouraging a sense of belonging and connection with an accepting, diverse and inclusive group of people, and reducing isolation and loneliness;
Members have often found that work with each other in Suresearch has improved their mental well-being and given them new meaning, purpose and self-esteem.
Experts by Experience
The experts by experience in our network offer a rich resource of knowledge and skills through:
- contributing to the mental health education and training of doctors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers and support workers at qualifying and post qualifying levels;
- undertaking research, independently and in collaboration;
- advising researchers and research students in the mental health field;
- membership of professional advisory groups and service user organisations;
- contributing to arts events and festivals to promote mental wellbeing and awareness.
Members’ experiences of Suresearch
First impressions
“About twenty years ago I was in a very dark place following a divorce when I heard about Suresearch. I knew I had to reach out and find a positive new way forward with my life. Once I realised I was not being judged and actually being accepted instead, in spite of my mental health difficulties, I was able to overcome my depression and have confidence in myself again. It’s good to talk!”
Providing a safe supportive place to explore how people with mental health problems can use their experiences for good
“As a new member, I experienced a warm welcome to a friendly group and immediately felt at ease in joining in with the meeting. The activities of Suresearch are worthy objectives, as understanding and compassion about mental health is a must”
“After I joined I discovered a passionate and committed band of fellow service users who were using their lived experience for maximum impact. Not only is there a wonderful feeling of community at Suresearch, but you can also be confident that you will come away from every meeting with fresh and radical insights into mental health research and the part in it we can play as service users and carers”
“Anyone can get involved, we have no special qualifications, except being an expert in our own experiences. Everyone can be that.”
“At first, when I heard about Suresearch I was apprehensive to join, what I thought was another NHS led group. How wrong could I have been!. What i was hearing and seeing wasn’t what I expected. I was treated as an individual in a safe space. I heard true life stories of how the state of mental health was in Birmingham and how we could shape it and could really make a difference.”
“We always share our experience with mental health struggles and this is what keeps us together. We look after other members’ concerns and give advice. I am also a carer and Suresearch has always been there to understand and give guidance”
Undertaking research in collaboration with researchers and research students in the mental health field
“I love talking to people about how people with mental health problems like myself can be involved in research not just as a passive recipient of services but as an expert by experience advisor to make it more relevant. This can broaden out into being involved in teaching and learning in the university”
“I have now been involved with loads of researchers in the university and also with ARC west midlands and have used my experience to work on projects with the Royal college of psychiatrists, McPin, Birmingham Mind and National Mind, increasing membership of professional advisory groups and service user organisations”
Contributing to the mental health education and training of health and social care staff
“The first thing I remember about getting involved with Suresearch was creating digital stories about my experiences of mental illness, including being in hospital. These stories were recorded and used as material for helping teach nursing students. I gather that all these are still being used. Just using my very difficult and seemingly useless experiences in a positive way, gave me a sense of purpose, I felt better about myself.”
Long-term benefits of Suresearch to members
“Suresearch has given me a voice and a platform to champion good mental health. When you need to get advice about mental health, Suresearch is the place to be.”
“Suresearch is one of the best groups I’ve been involved with. I have learned many valuable skills that have inspired me to pursue further education and become self-employed. Contributing to research is very rewarding and I have gained lifelong skills that have benefitted me in various aspects of my life, work, and studies”
Suresearch has supported many members in pursuing their lifelong dreams”