Service user involvement has the potential to be a key driver when trying to influence change, today the NHS require service user involvement be successfully integrated into key areas of the health system as a standard feature.

Meaningful user involvement doesn’t just require the ticking of boxes; tokenistic user involvement can discredit the involvement process and deter progress for service users and other stakeholders.

Real and meaningful user involvement is about the treatment system developing constructive relationships with service users by building strong partnerships and communicating effectively.

Today service users are rightly considered as being one of the experts in the field and in their treatment, by sharing experiences in a structured way service users are able to identify what has worked in their treatment and what hasn't.

Meaningful user involvement requires trust, respect and communication from both parties, through sharing experiences and ideas services can begin to develop in a positive way.

Karl Smith is the Surrey DAAT’s Service User & Carer Involvement Development Officer. Click here to see a leaflet about Karl and his contact details.

Karl is always interested in any feedback from service users. Click here to complete an online form.

Click here to see Surrey's Service User Charter.

To contact the service user leads please phone Karl Smith on 07887 532072

To discuss any of the Surrey services who don’t have a user lead contact Karl Smith.

Click here for information on Surrey User Groups

Click here for information on Advocacy Services in Surrey