Influence & Participation

At Teesside Mind, we believe that the voices and experiences of people who have dealt with mental health problems can change how we operate for the better. Your input helps us to improve the quality and relevance of everything we do.

Our goal is to offer more opportunities each year for people to get involved and shape our work.

Why is it worth getting involved?

Being part of Teesside Mind helps us:

  • Stay connected to the communities we serve
  • Ensure our work is informed by diverse experiences
  • Give our staff a better understanding of what it’s like to live with mental health problems.

By involving new voices, we improve our services for those who need them.

When we work together, we're committed to:

  • Equality – Everyone is treated fairly, with no one being more important than anyone else.
  • Diversity – We actively include a wide variety of people from different backgrounds.
  • Accessibility – We make sure everyone has the chance to get involved.
  • Reciprocity – We recognise and reward your involvement. Expenses are paid for all roles. We also offer personal and professional development to make sure your contribution is meaningful. We'll always keep you informed about how your input makes a difference.

What Others Have Said About Involvement

“I hope that one comment or statement I gave helped someone and made a difference.”

“Hope for change and improvement and that what I say will be taken seriously.”

Why People Stay Involved

“I’m passionate about seeing improvements in services and don’t want others to struggle to get support.”

“I feel listened to and valued. Being involved has improved my sense of self-worth.”

What can you expect?

Training and Support

We offer the right training and support based on the role you take on. Your wellbeing is our priority, especially if your role involves interacting with the public. If you ever feel distressed during your time with us, we will provide support.

Recognition and Reward

We deeply value your time, skills, and knowledge. Here’s how we show our thanks:

  • A simple "thank you"
  • Access to personal and professional development opportunities
  • Letting you know how your involvement has made a difference