A user-led organisation is defined as “an organisation that is run and controlled by people who use support services including disabled people, people who use mental health services, people with learning disabilities, older people, and their families and carers.” Social Care Institute for Excellence, 2009

As a user-led organisation Lifecraft’s members are integral to the running of Lifecraft and we aim to involve our members as much as possible in all areas of the organisation. Lifecraft believes that every member can make their own valuable contribution to Lifecraft and that we can build on each other’s strengths. Lifecraft has lots of ways that service users can influence what Lifecraft does and help run the services that it provides.

On the first Monday of the month there is a members’ meeting at 2.15pm where Lifecraft members discuss ideas for Lifecraft’s future, upcoming events and current issues. Members are consulted on new activities and services which Lifecraft is developing, and members are often involved in designing and running Lifecraft services.

Lifecraft runs a Member Employment Scheme where members work for Lifecraft in roles such as Social Club Worker, Receptionist and Database Administrator. Additionally Lifecraft actively encourages job applications and volunteering placements from people who have lived experience of mental health issues.

Lifecraft’s Trustees are at least 75% service users or ex-service users of mental health services or people with lived experience of mental health issues. This ensures that Lifecraft is user-led in all areas of its organisation, not just in its day to day running but also in its management.