Toucan Launches Virtual Open Session for Young People with Lived Inpatient Mental Health Experience
Toucan is inviting young people aged 13-18 with lived experience of inpatient mental health care to attend its upcoming Service User Group Virtual Open Session. It will take place on Wednesday 25th March 2026, from 5:30 pm–7:30 pm.
This first session will be an informal introduction. You can drop in at any point during the two-hour window and stay for as long, or as little, as you feel comfortable. There’s no pressure to sign up long-term, it’s simply a chance to find out more and decide if you’d like to be part of the group.
In future sessions, the group will help shape the care provided across NHS and private mental health services and hospitals in the region. This will help ensure that young voices influence services around their real needs.
The online Service User Group is a voluntary opportunity for young people to collaborate and provide insight to inform new commissioning projects and to influence and contribute to service improvements.
Molly Dowling, Expert by Experience at Toucan, said:
“With Spring equinox taking place on the 20th March, it felt like a brilliant opportunity to share one of Toucan’s very own new beginnings. We are excited to be hosting a Virtual Open Session for young people aged 13-18 to come and join us in learning about our service user group.
“Spring is often associated with themes of new beginning, opportunities for growth and finding balance. We want to begin our own exciting journey through creating our service user group and allow our young people to have a space where they can use their lived experience to make positive, meaningful change.”
The first session will:
• Introduce the purpose and vision of the Service User Group
• Offer attendees the chance to meet members of the Toucan team
• Provide space to ask questions and share experiences
• Help shape how the group will run, including how often it meets
The future structure and frequency of meetings will be led by the group itself, ensuring it remains driven by the people who attend and responsive to their preferences.
If you are interested in attending and would like to know more, register using the link below.