Out & About: Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow & Clyde

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CHEX: out and about

An important part of the work of the CHEX team is keeping in touch with the network and the vital work you do to support people and help tackle health inequalities in our communities.

This April Sarah visited the Mental Health Network (Greater Glasgow and Clyde), where she met with Michelle McBride, Engagement Worker for the Network. 

The Mental Health Network is a member led network made up of individuals and carers with lived experience of mental health challenges and is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Through a range of peer support and group opportunities the organisation: 

  • Engages with people receiving mental health treatment and their carers 

  • Creates platforms for people to make a meaningful impact on mental health policy and services 

  • Challenges stigma and discrimination through community engagement and campaigns 

  • Creates multiple opportunities for members to participate in ways that are meaningful to them 

  • Advocates for mental health rights 

  • Provides training and resources on mental health and suicide prevention 

Creating community and amplifying voices 

a poster about the development of the borderline and beyond leaflet

Michelle shared with Sarah many examples of work the group have been involved with over the past year. A particular highlight was the impact of the work of the BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) Dialogues group, which is a fantastic example of community-led health in action.   

The group collaborated with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to create the Borderline and Beyond leaflet (PDF), which offers clear and accessible information.

It is available as a physical leaflet via mental health teams and wards throughout Glasgow, as well as through the  MyApp: My Mental Health | Right Decisions website. The group have also developed a second lived experience-developed booklet, Coping Skills (PDF).
 
In June 2024 they received an award 'Capacity to Inform & Engage' from the BIGSPD (British Irish Group Study of Personality Disorder) for the leaflet. This recognised their innovative approach and co-productive work which brings together people with lived experience, the NHS and the third sector to create change and improve lives and services in a skilled, powerful and impactful way.  

It’s not just what we do, it’s the way that we do it 

Michelle and the team at the Mental Health Network are very clear that the value and impact of what they do is about more than activities and services. The Network is member-led and built on relationships and trust.  

It is independent and creates a community rather than deliver a service. People feel valued, their worth recognised and power shared which leads to collective and positive action for meaningful change. 

This community-led approach creates the conditions where individuals, carers and families are able to work equitably with public sector practitioners and teams to drive positive change.  

With the renewed focus on addressing health inequalities and working with communities at a policy level, as exemplified in the new Population Health Framework and Health & Social Care Renewal Framework, it's never been a better time to recognise, value, learn from and build on the wealth of knowledge, skills and experience of people, communities and organisations like the Mental Health Network.   
 
To find out more about BPD Dialogues Group, contact: michelle@mhngg.org.uk