The Open Platform will be held at the Trinity Centre, the Market Place, North Ormesby on 9th June and there will be two sessions - one starting at 10 a.m. and then another starting at 1 p.m.

Anyone with an interest in local mental health policy issues is encouraged to attend and we are expecting service users, local voluntary sector organisations, families, professionals, local businesses and members of the general public to participate. Refreshments and food will be available as well as a range of participatory activities such as debates and group work. There will also be a celebration of local mental health including cultural activities and an art exhibition.

Joyce Porter from Middlesbrough commented, "...local people in Middlesbrough are determined to show they can have a real voice in mental health by being active and taking more control of the agenda...the policy workshop enabled service users and professionals to work together to plan real action in the community...the Open Platform gives everyone living and using services in Middlesbrough the opportunity to have a say and get involved..."

The Open Platform is part of a wider project that was started in April this year with a policy skills workshop where local stakeholders planned an Action Group and identified 5 key issues for action in Middlesbrough over the coming year.

The project is focused on ACTION rather than TALKING and MHID will be supporting the Action Group to lobby, campaign, and lead real change in Middlesbrough.