Get Involved

Get involved as service users, carers and loved ones

The involvement of service users (people who use the services of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust), their carers and loved ones is important to ensure that our work is meaningful, suitable and inclusive.

Find out more about what 'getting involved' means for you below.  

GMMH logo. Title: Getting involved in research might help you to: Have a better understanding of your condition; Feel more in control of your care; Provide feedback on treatments and care to help us improve; Gain early access to treatments; Receive closer monitoring of your condition by our research teams. Research & Innovation at GMMH logo.  Research is only possible thanks to the involvement of the communities we serve.

Thousands of service users (or patients) and their support network take part in research across the NHS every year, helping us to understand certain illnesses or conditions, and find better treatments (therapies or medicines) or ways to prevent them.

Not only does this benefit future service users and the care GMMH provides, but it gives a great sense of pride and value to those who take part.

Getting involved in research might help you to:

  • Have a better understanding of your condition
  • Feel more in control of your care
  • Provide feedback on treatments and care to help us improve
  • Gain early access to treatments
  • Receive closer monitoring of your condition by our research teams

Does it take up a lot of time?

It does not have to be a large commitment of your time – some of our studies only require a short survey or a sample, whilst others may involve a course of treatment (such as a therapy or medication) with follow-up assessments over a period of months. Some of our studies are conducted over the phone or online, whilst others need to be face-to-face.

Are there other ways to get involved in research?

You might prefer to join a Patient-Public Involvement (PPI) group and work with other people who have similar experiences to you.

What is a PPI group?

And remember...

Taking part in R&I at GMMH is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind at any time. All of our studies go through rigorous procedures to make sure that they are safe, ethically approved and protect your confidential information.

 

How do you take part in a study?

  • Title slide in light blue with white and yellow text: How do you take part in a study?

    How do you take part in a study?

    This slideshow will help you understand what the research process involves for participants. 

    Research helps to shape services, policies and the environment around you. Participating is a key way to make your voice heard! 

  • Second slide titled

    Step 1: Finding a study

    You may come across a research project advert, poster or flyer — these may be found on social media or in public places such as libraries or you may hear about it from your healthcare professional. It will include information on:

    • The research topic and what participants will be expected to do
    • How people can reach the research group and research materials
    • The inclusion criteria (details on who is eligible to take part in the study)

    You can also browse our active studies finder: 
    See our active studies

  • Third slide with title Step 2. Showing an icon of a figure reading a book and sheets of paper to represent a participant information sheet (PIS)

    Step 2: Information

    The researcher will send you a Participant Information Sheet (PIS). This includes information about the study, such as:

    • Reassurance that all activities and materials have been ethically approved
    • What taking part involves (details of the procedure, location, length of participation)
    • Potential risks and benefits of participation
    • Data protection, confidentiality and complaints procedure
    • Research group contact information

    The researcher will help you understand the information and read out the PIS if it’s helpful. You can ask the researcher questions.

  • Fourth slide with title Step 3. Showing an icon of a consent form - a piece of paper with a tick in a circle and a pen signing it.

    Step 3: Consent

    If you are happy to take part, you will then be asked to provide consent.

    This confirms that you have received information about the research, had a chance to ask questions, and you are happy to participate.

  • Fifth slide with title Step 4. Showing icons of: two figures having an interview, a clipboard with a survey on it, a magnifying glass, a test tube, a smartphone and a hand underneath a heart with a medical plus sign in it.

    Step 4: Data Collection

    After this, data collection can begin. There are many different ways to collect information, such as interviews, surveys, observations, taking samples or running tests. In our mental health studies, you may be allocated to a new type of therapy or intervention, or asked to take medication. 

    Some studies will require home visits, or ask you to attend in person. They may also provide an option for participating remotely, such as by telephone or online. The research team will provide you with this information before you take part and or help you find which methods might be best for you. 

  • Sixth slide with title Step 5 plus. Showing an icon of two figures having an interview, a call sign button, and a person using a desktop computer having a virtual meeting. Underneath a second title

    Step 5 onwards: Follow up and feedback

    The study may require regular follow-up meetings over a period of time, or the study team might ask you to take part in a follow-up study, such as providing your feedback. 

    Participants will be debriefed after data collection, and the purpose of the study explained. Sometimes participants will be offered reimbursement or the chance to recieve a summary of the research findings after the publication, if they are happy for the personal information to be stored. 

    Participants will have an option to withdraw themselves and their data from the research up to a certain point, whichis outlined in the PIS. 

 

What is a PPI Group? 

Active Studies Finder

News & Publications 

Get in touch

Ways to get involved:

 

  • Join a Patient-Public Involvement (PPI) group
  • Take part in one of our studies that is actively seeking participants 
  • Find out more about our work via our news and publications 
  • Share your thoughts and ideas 
  • Ask us a question!

Our team of experienced researchers, clinicians and co-ordinators are available to provide you with more information about getting involved in research, or you can find out more by browsing our Active Studies Finder.

Browse our active studies

In order to deliver research and innovation that addresses the issues that matter most to the people of Greater Manchester, we need you.

As a patient

As a service user, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support. 

Find resources for carers and service users  Contact the Trust