Suresearch ran a stall at the University of Birmingham Community day in June 2025, and we displayed these short pieces of writing by our members describing experiences of being involved in Suresearch and how they had benefitted from their involvement:
“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 we could really make a difference. We always had humour and banter in our meetings, but with a serious note of the mental health inequalities that concern all of us. I was introduced to Suresearch by a couple of my long-term friends. I didn’t know how I would fit into a group of experienced service user researchers, but I was welcomed and felt I fitted into the group. Over time, we learnt about how we can unite and work together and make a difference and let others know about our no nonsense approach to mental health. I have enjoyed making more friends along the way.
We now have a WhatsApp group and keep connected. 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. We have a wealth of knowledge between us not just mental health but also navigating the system and knowing where to get help.
Suresearch has given me a voice and a platform to champion good mental health . 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. I am currently a safety partner as an expert by experience with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust when people are in crisis. When you need to get advice about mental health, Suresearch is the place to be”
“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”
“I am proud to be a member of this forum which brings patients and professionals together in a spirit of friendship”
“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!”
“I began attending Suresearch in 2005, motivated by being largely unimpressed with existing NHS mental health services. Suresearch had been promoted at an event marking World Mental Health Day. When I arrived at Suresearch I found many attendees were also concerned about existing NHS mental health services. I also bore in mind what I had heard as more or less an imperative from mental health professionals, that remaining in the job market and not becoming isolated is vital if possible for those suffering from mental health problems. So networking information amongst other people has become important to me.”
“As a service user with forty years lived experience of severe mental illness, I was thrilled to discover that I could help shape vital mental health research as a public contributor. I was even more thrilled to discover that there was the most fantastic pioneering organisation on my doorstep – Suresearch – which had championed the cause of service users in both research and education for over 20 years. I first became aware of Suresearch through the glowing testimony of a senior academic who’s paper on patient involvement referred to the amazing work Suresearch were doing in Birmingham. 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. Led by the indefatigable Jo, who is a lovely and sympathetic chair along with being incredibly insightful, Suresearch is a rare and genuine example of coproduction, where the service users are authentically in control. Long may Suresearch continue!”
“I joined Suresearch in 2000, not long after it started. I had not long been discharged from a very prolonged stay in a psychiatric hospital, I had lost all my confidence, I had very few friends and I had lost my career as a doctor. I had nothing to do or focus on. I was not well enough to work. I found it very hard to communicate verbally at that time.
Suresearch was originally set up as a group of mental health service users and survivors interested in getting involved in mental health research and training of clinical staff at the university. I remember getting such a warm welcome. It was definitely a case of come as you are. Tea, coffee and chats, but also computers available with free tuition. I often used to call in and use the computers when I was at a loose end. The first thing I remember getting involved with was creating digital stories about my experiences of mental illness, including being hospital. These stories were recorded and used as material for helping teach nursing students. I gather that all these years later, they 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. It was the start of my recovery.
As a Suresearch member I have had the privilege of using my experiences to advise many different researchers at the university about their proposed mental health research projects. As time went on, I became more involved and I have now actually led 2 mental health studies myself and had some of this work published. Other members have been empowered in different ways, some helping with staff training in mental health, some embarking on further education, or working as experts by experience in the NHS.
We remain a diverse yet very friendly and accepting group. We always have time for a good chat and refreshments during our meetings. Many have expressed their gratitude to Suresearch for helping them to grow, be empowered and find some meaning in their lives. Picking up the pieces of a life shattered with mental health problems takes a lot of doing, but this is what is happening for us right here at the university. Anyone can get involved, we have no special qualifications, except being an expert in our own experiences. Everyone can be that.”
“Suresearch members provide a wealth of knowledge from personal experience of mental distress, which have benefitted many research projects and practitioner training over many years. The informal peer support and opportunities for shared activity that Suresearch provides has been especially important for me. Suresearch is currently run by members on a voluntary basis, and I hope that it can soon obtain more secure funding for its running costs.”
“I was very much looking forward to being on the Suresearch stand on Saturday as I have been involved for a long time and 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 been a long time in the mental health system having been treated in the old asylum system in 1978. I had what I call two lost decades and only started to flourish in my forties when i meet Survivors Speak Out. I am now 72 and still involved with supportive organisations like Suresearch who now have hybrid meeting combining Zoom and face to face at the University.
I am very grateful to Professor Ann Davis and the Centre for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Mental Health who recognised my potential and enabled European User Survivors to be involved in projects. I was chair of ENUSP (European Network of Users (ex) Users and Survivors) and loved this way of working using a psycho social approach as opposed to the medical model of disability which unfortunately still dominates. I am now an individual member of Mental Health Europe and have just come back from their work in Brussels combining an AGA (Annual General Assembly) Study Visits and Capacity Building Seminars. Fascinating and exhausting! I will try and talk about it at one of Suresearch monthly meetings soon.
I would have loved to be with you all on Saturday. Have a good time!”
“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. I feel comfortable being part of a meaningful community group. Suresearch has supported many members in pursuing their lifelong dreams.”