Service user network wins national award

A service user network for people who have been diagnosed with personality disorder has won a national award.

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s (EPUT) Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Service User Network (SUN) won the category for Complex Mental Health Needs in the Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards.

The network offers peer support, advice and space to share experiences and learning, for people with personality disorders and complex needs, and their families and carers.

Members also have the opportunity to shape and design services, work on projects, and support with training staff from EPUT and other organisations to increase understanding and awareness of service users’ needs.

Service User Network Manager, Bryony Dale, said: “I am really delighted that the SUN has been recognised for positive practice in complex mental health needs care.

“In the three years the SUN has been running, it has expanded exponentially in its purpose and offer, along with the number of members.

“The SUN has proven to be a space where clients living with personality disorder and complex needs feel connected and validated, but also supported and empowered in the crucial role they play in their own care, their peers’ care, and service development and improvement.

“Winning this award confirms just how important this type of service is in an individual’s journey and it is a privilege every day to work with members of the SUN.

“I would like to extend a thank you to the Specialist Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Team for continually supporting the SUN, and specifically the brilliant team behind SUN!”

The Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards were announced at a ceremony at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend, on Wednesday 1 May.

Amy Woods, an Assistant Psychologist with the Specialist Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Team, Mike Buss, a SUN Facilitator, and Carolyn Pardey, a SUN member, collected the award on behalf of the SUN.