Champions of Change are local people who, together, provide their views and opinions, helping to make recommendations about mental health services in Nottingham City.

Champions of Change began as a pilot service run by Bright Ideas Nottingham and funded by NHS Nottingham City from 2009-2011. Bright Ideas is now working with Champions of Change to help it become an independent peer-led service.

Champions of Change is made up of people who are passionate about improving mental health services in Nottingham. These people either have experience of using these services, have cared for someone who uses these services or are interested in mental health services and how they can be improved.

Champions of Change believes that the best ideas for improvements will come from those who have direct experience of the services on offer, as well as those who are passionate about mental health.

Champions come from all backgrounds and all walks of life but they are united in their passion for improving mental health services in Nottingham.

The ethos of Champions of Change can be summed up through the lyrics of a song which was written by one of the Champions:

“It’s alright, it’s okay,
We are champions every day,
Change is coming your way…”

Champions of Change is made up of:

• Network Champions
• Community Troupe Champions

Who can be a Network Champion?

Somebody registered with a city GP who

• has experience of using mental health services in Nottingham, or
• is a carer or has been a carer of someone who uses or who has used mental health services, or
• has first hand experience of mental health issues/distress

Champions of Change also has group membership. Typically these groups are led by carers and people who use or who have used mental health services.

What do Network Champions do?

As a Network Champion, you would be asked to give valuable feedback about your experiences and views and opinions on services. Each Champion has opportunities to change services for the better, including the Champions of Change service itself.

So that we can put forward the collective voices of the network, we will ask you about your views. this might be face to face, through the post or over the telephone.

You may be asked to take part in a discussion group, comment on a document and so on. Support will always be available for Champions to carry out their activities.

Who can be a Community Troupe Champion?

You can join our Champions of Change Community Troupe if you are aged 16 or over and are

• interested in mental health carer issues and/or
• interested in informing and supporting others to put forward their views to services.

What does the Community Troupe do?

The Community Troupe works alongside Champions of Change in community settings to, for example:

• promote the service and inform local people about how they can have a say in services
• help out at stands at community events, meetings, markets, etc.

Other volunteers work behind the scenes to, for example:

• find out more about mental health services in Nottingham
• find out more about how to influence services
• prepare and plan events and activities

What’s in it for me?

• Satisfaction in knowing you are helping to shape services for the better
• Support with getting your voice heard or helping others to get their voice heard
• Meet new people
• Have fun
• Learn new skills and develop existing skills
• Gain confidence
• Free training
• Out of pocket expenses

For further information and to see what the Champions have been up to lately, visit the NEW Champions Blog below:

Out of the initial stage of Champions of Change came a number of reports and engagement activities…

To read the Champions of Change Report 2009-2010: 

Download the Champions’ Newsletters below:

This September the NHS have produced a review into mental health services provided by third sector parties, including Champions of Change.  The report and further information about the review is available on the NHS webstite here:

On the 3rd September there was a consultation event where service providers and those who use services were invited to give feedback to the report. This report provides an overview of the feedback from Champions of Change network members to the draft report on the NHS Nottingham City Mental Health Third Sector Review.  It also provides comments and feedback on the consultation event and consultation process. Champions provided their feedback on the day of event, and subsequently via telephone conversation with the project team and during a discussion session in the Champions of Change Chat Room.

Please find below the Champions of Change feedback report:

In 2010, we carried out some research into the needs of unpaid carers for those who use mental health services.  As a result of the research, this video was produced to illustrate what we found and look at the need for respite services in the city.  Many thanks to all those involved.

Two of our fantastic Champions were involved in the consultation that led to the production of this document by the Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.  It is a guide looking at how the involvement of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups can be increased in the way mental health services are designed, managed, delivered and monitored in the East Midlands.

Please find the guide below:

Find out more about the  Champions of Change ‘Hats off!’ walk for mental health awareness week 2010 below:

Please find the summary report below: