Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Service User Network

The Service User Network (SUN) is a community based support service which sits within the Personality Disorder and Complex Needs Service (PD&CN).

The aim of SUN is to empower patients and their carers living with a diagnosis of PD&CN or traits of PD&CN. It provides online and in-person groups where members can support each other and learn ways to stay healthy in their daily lives.

The groups offer a place for people to connect and support each other, while also allowing service users and caregivers to take part in developing and improving services.

All our groups are open to anyone registered with an Essex GP.

Please note that groups are not a substitute for clinical intervention or for those in crisis.

The SUN also offers training to staff across health and social care to enable greater awareness and understanding of patients and their carers living with PD&CN. For more information on our training please contact: epunft.pd.cntraining@nhs.net

We very much believe that co-production and active participation of our members is at the heart of what we do. Our emphasis is that the voice of our members should be the most influential in driving positive transformations in care and the overall experiences of using services.

Awareness groups

The network runs awareness and support groups for individuals living with personality disorders and complex needs, as well as their carers.

Provides a safe supportive environment for adults 21+ who have a diagnosis of personality disorder or who may exhibit traits of a diagnosis.

The group meets online for psycho-educational sessions every 2 weeks on Wednesday 10am–12pm.

Any health professional will need to complete an expression of interest form for you to be able to join the group.

An informal meetup where we can get together and talk about about whats on your mind in a relaxed environment.

These will change on a monthly basis.

This carer’s support group aims to bring together carers and loved ones of individuals living with Personality Disorder (who are over the age of 18), offering the opportunity to make contact with others in a similar situation, help individuals to gain support and know that they are not alone. The goal is to assist members through conversation, experience and resource sharing, and by simply listening.

You can join this group by filling in an expression of interest form.

Our peer support group provides a safe space for peers to come together and support each other through their lived and learned experience. The group is facilitated by SUN staff but with the emphasis on individual peer members leading each week. This group has a membership limit of 12 months and meets weekly on Tuesdays 12-1.30pm or 5-6.30pm.

You can join this group by filling in an expression of interest form.

Service user involvement and co-production are at the centre of the SUN. The SDC provides an opportunity for service users or their carers to be more dynamically involved in shaping and developing services. We work using a model of co-production, with service users working alongside staff, bringing together our experiences/journeys and using them in a meaningful and proactive way.

The SDC meets monthly on Mondays 10am – 12pm.

The group provides a safe supportive environment for young adults aged 18-21 who have a diagnosis of personality disorder or who may exhibit traits of a diagnosis.

The group meets online for psycho-educational sessions every 2 weeks on Thursdays 4pm–5.30pm.

Any health professional will need to complete an expression of interest form for you to be able to join the group.

Meet the team

Claire started with the SUN in September 2024 covering for Bryony Dale whilst she is on maternity leave. Claire has worked for EPUT since 2022 as a psychodynamic counsellor in Mid-Essex. Prior to a career change into counselling Claire worked as a Senior NHS manager in London.

Claire.oconnor9@nhs.net

Mike has been a part of the SUN for over a year now and brings with him his own lived experience to the role. Having achieved a degree in Psychology last year and a change of career into the mental health sector 7 years ago, Mike has a passion for the SUN and is a regular facilitator at the groups we run.

Mike.Buss@nhs.net

As an assistant psychologist within the SUN, I co-facilitate many of our support groups, assist with coproduction projects within the Service Development Collaborative and generally ensure that everything is running smoothly.