SERVICE USER AND CARER INVOLVEMENT SERVICE

The Mental Health Clinical Board in Cardiff and Vale UHB plans to recommission the Service User and Carer Representation Service, which strengthens the voice of people with lived experience and their carers through co production, training, and involvement in service planning.

The Service User and Carer Representation Service is a specialist third sector‑led model designed to strengthen the voice and influence of people with lived experience of mental health issues, and their carers, across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The service provides structured opportunities for meaningful involvement in the planning and review of mental health services, alongside training, capacity building, information sharing and signposting. Operating within a context of rising demand and strong national expectations around co‑production, the service plays an essential role in supporting recovery‑focused, person‑centred care. Delivery is typically undertaken by experienced local third sector organisations with strong community presence, though challenges such as workforce capacity and financial sustainability remain. Providers must demonstrate robust governance, accessibility, Welsh language compliance and high‑quality engagement practice. Overall, this is a specialised and essential service area with growing demand and clear alignment to local and national mental health policy.