Mental Health Forum re-launches to give residents a stronger voice

Cheshire East Council is supporting the re‑launch of the Cheshire East Mental Health Service User Groups (MHSUG), creating renewed opportunities for residents with lived experience of mental health services to shape and influence support across the borough.

The forum will operate as two groups, one covering the north and one in the south of Cheshire East, ensuring local voices are heard and reflected in services that directly affect people’s lives.

Over the years, the MHSUG have provided a valued space for individuals to share insights, highlight challenges and work in partnership with professionals and Cheshire East Mental Health Partnership Board to improve mental health services from a service‑user perspective. The relaunch builds on this strong foundation, aiming to create a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative forum bringing together service users and partners from across health, social care, voluntary and community sectors.

The groups support the ambitions of the Cheshire East Plan 2025–29, particularly the shared commitment to improving health and wellbeing and enabling communities through strong, effective partnerships. Members will be able to contribute to consultations on service changes, learn more about the mental health support available locally and connect with others to help their communities thrive.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, chair of Cheshire East Council’s adults and health committee, said:

“Listening to the voices of people with lived experience is essential if we are to create mental health services that truly meet the needs of our communities. 

“The re-launch of the Mental Health Service User Groups reflects our commitment to working in partnership, empowering residents and ensuring their experiences help shape the services of the future. I would encourage anyone with an interest to get involved and make their voice heard.”

To ensure the forums are inclusive and accessible to everyone, sessions will be offered both online and in person:

• Online sessions: Tuesday 11 February 2026 1pm to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 8pm
• In‑person sessions: Wednesday 12 February 2026 Jubilee House, St Paul’s Street, Crewe CW1 2QA. 1pm to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 8pm

Residents who would like to take part in the online sessions, or who have any questions about the MHSUG, are invited to register their interest by emailing: 

communities@cheshireeast.gov.uk