“It was great to hear some tips from the Speaker about how to engage with Parliament. Sometimes it’s easy to feel quite removed from Westminster but after listening to John Bercow I now feel that we all have a responsibility to be lobbying our MPs and trying to work with select committees to share the knowledge from within our communities.”

Nigel Cooke – Chief Executive, One Nottingham

Lisa Robinson with Nigel Cooke at ‘An Audience with John Bercow’

“I would like to thank the Champions for their work in helping NHS Nottingham City to engage with people who have used mental health services and for helping to shape future services. The Champions have been involved in several projects including the review of third sector services, the development of quality indicators in service specifications and in the mental health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. I look forward to working with them on future projects to ensure that the services we commission are of a high quality and meet the needs of our citizens.”

Charlotte Wilcockson – Commissioning Manager, Mental Health & Learning Disabilities, NHS Nottingham City

Charlotte Wilcockson with the Champions of Change Reference Group

“I just wanted to say thank you for all of your support with regards to my student placement at Bright Ideas Nottingham.  The discussion sessions that we have had, had a real impact on me on a personal as well as professional level.
Lisa, could you please let the team know that my Bright Ideas experience has been one that I will never forget.  I have learned so much from ALL the people in the team.  They have all made a real impact on me as a practitioner.  As you know, the ethos and values within Bright Ideas positively impacts on so many of the things that I consider about and hold dear.
Bright Ideas Nottingham: Keep up the good work everyone.
PS: I am looking forward to doing some voluntary work with Champions of Change.  So, on that note, look out because  I WILL BE BACK :-)”

Jeniba Grant – Champions of Change

“Thanks for your valuable time and efforts in putting together the external evaluation report.  Basecamp is honoured to be given such positive feedback about the effectiveness of our service.  I look  forward to working with your great team of professionals again if the opportunity arises.”

Rukhsana Aziz, Basecamp Officer

“Thank you for the wonderful meeting that we had yesterday and the opportunity of joining your team. I am really looking forward to this and I believe I will learn alot. You do such amazing things. I am inspired!”

Listone Longwe, Volunteer in Marketing, Currently studying an MA in Marketing at Derby University

“A very belated thank you for all you did for the recent conference. I am glad you made some good contacts too and I have given Simon my personal details to go on your list of people to consult. Thank you to Lisa Robinson too and all your team especially Dan who we will meet up with soon over the video”

Roads to Recovery

From the Champions of Change Launch event (30th September 2010):

“Thanks so much … it’s amazing to see how hard you work. Everybody is so nice. I will be at the walk Wednesday!”

“It was a great launch…Well done to you and your team!”

“Thanks very much …! I enjoyed it and the fact that I got to meet the other champions! I will look forward to seeing and meeting the champions at the next conference.”

“Thanks for the great show – Great band.  See you at the next one.”

“I think it was a good launch, a lot of people are happy that the network is here.”

” I feel mighty sorry I missed it but thought best not to pass on my germs. It would be good to meet up to see what I missed and to find out how to get more involved.  Will text or ring you next week when I’m feeling better.”

“It was good to see and hear the commissioners speak. It helped me gain an understanding of what their roles are.”

“I really felt part of something. Nobody judges you for who you are, I felt comfortable to speak, I felt at home.”

“I would like to thank you for giving my daughter the opportunity of work experience with Bright Ideas. She really enjoyed filming the Hearts & Minds event last Wednesday and being involved in a community event as well as learning more about WordPress. It has inspired her further in the media field…Once again thank you for the opportunity. These kind of learning experiences are priceless and much appreciated. I look forward to seeing you all in the office in the near future. Take care.”

Aliya Vaughan

“A absolutely stunning event. I am so proud of the young people who attended. Lets continue to give our young people a voice to be heard loud and clear. Well done to you also for putting this together!”

Bettina Wallace about To The Power of 10, 2014