The Linkworking project involves a group of (2-3) Linkworkers holding meetings with users of mental health services; On the wards at the Bethlem Royal Hospital service users to discuss issues that affect service users them during their stay on the ward. In other units and in the community the project looks at how service users pathways through services and how they connect with social inclusive services.

Linkworkers are current or ex users of Croydon’s mental health services; go through an intensive 3 half day training course and are line managed and supervised by the Hear Us Coordinator. They are also supported via SLaM’s Involvement Register and where possible with extra support from Status Employment.

During session on wards and units the Linkworkers listen none judgementally to the problems the service users face daily whilst looking at what life holds for them on discharge; Living in the community with a mental health diagnosis, openly discussing medication and the side-effects. Dealing with stigma and prejudice that encompasses mental health.

Over the last year the project has expanded into the community at SLaM’s Foxley Lane women’s service, Ashburton Road (all Male) and Selhurst Road Rehab Unit. Recognition that other services ran by voluntary services need the project and service user involvement we have started Linkworking at Imagines Service User Led Drop-in service ‘Kingfishers Association’ in New Addington. During the summer and autumn months of 2010 we visiting more of Imagines services and other voluntary services