How can I become a member?
It’s simple – either apply online, print a form, ask a member of AWP staff for an application form or request a form from the membership office on (freephone) 0800 694 9990 or 01249 468377.
Online membership form
Printable membership form
About membership
Members can include the people who use our services, those who care for people who use our services, our staff and those who live in the areas we serve (although you can still be a member if you live outside the area our services cover).
You may want to get involved because of your personal experiences or those of a family member or friend. You may just wish to have a say in how mental health services in your area are provided.
Coming from all walks of life, our members will represent a wide range of voices from our communities. This diversity will help us to understand better how we can develop the best services to meet local people’s needs responsively and effectively.
We will be able to draw upon the skills and talents of a wide range of people who work and live in our communities. This is one of the most exciting changes that we have experienced in the NHS for a very long time. Our members will be able to make a significant contribution in several ways.
Why join as a member?
Members will play an invaluable role in helping to improve our mental health services.
As a member you will:
- learn more about mental health and wellbeing
- receive regular information on the work of the Trust
- speak up for good mental health and wellbeing
- share your expertise and experience
- be consulted on proposals for substantial service developments and change
- sit on advisory group/s about service improvement
- advise governors
- elect governors to represent you
- apply to become a non-executive director
- stand for election to become a governor
Who can become a member?
Membership is completely FREE and it can take up as little or as much time as you have to give. We are proposing that the minimum age for members is 16. You can be a service user, a carer or simply have an interest in mental health services provided by this Trust. You don’t have to live in the Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon or Wiltshire area.
In recruiting members, we will ensure we achieve a fair balance of people from throughout our geographical area as well as representing our diverse demographic make up of our local communities, including people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and people of all ages.
Members are not paid for their involvement.
Members do not receive preferential clinical treatment.
Are there any reasons that someone might not be able to become a member?
You cannot become or continue as a member of the Foundation Trust if:
- You are under 16 years of age at the date of your application to become a member
- You have been convicted of the offence of assault under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 on any of the Trust's employees
- You have been confirmed as a ‘vexatious complainant’ in line with the Trust’s policy for handling complaints
- You have been removed as a member from another NHS foundation trust
Constituencies
There are four membership categories: public, service users, carers and AWP staff (who are automatically members). Each constituency (as they are known) elects representative governors.
You can only be a member of one constituency at any one time, however you can change your choice of category. For example, if you are a service user who stops using the Trust’s services, you can then choose to become a public member.
If you would like any further information about membership, please contact us at:
Foundation Trust team, Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Jenner House, Langley Park, Chippenham. Wiltshire SN15 1GG.
Email: foundationtrustinfo@awp.nhs.uk. Tel: (freephone) 0800 694 9990 or 01249 468 377.