Service user leadership: training and development for service users to take the lead

Purpose – This paper outlines the concept of service user leadership and both describes and reflects on an accredited training programme that enables mental health service users to take a leadership role. Design/methodology/approach – The authors argue for a service user leadership approach and the training programme is reviewed by previous participants Findings – Service users can take on a leadership role if they are given suitable and relevant training and development opportunities. Service user led training can be transformational. Practical implications – Commissioners of mental health services should consider how to support service user leadership programmes, which can reach places and achieve outcomes that traditional mental health services are unable to attain. Originality/value – The concept of service user leadership is relatively new and the training programme described in this paper is both original and highly valued by participants with many significant outcomes.