INTRODUCTION FROM SUE’S SPACE MASH’S SERVICE USER ADVISORY PANEL

The MASH Service User Advisory Panel- Sue’s Space, was formed over three years ago now, and it was no accident the group was formed when it was. It was important to the MASH board that women had an empowering space to share their insights and shape the service over the next five years (and beyond!).

From day one members have made the panel a roaring success, on so many levels! A shared passion for, what is to us, more than just a service. It’s a place we found acceptance, healing and the confidence to make the lives we want for ourselves.

That’s why Sue’s Space is excited to see more women across Greater Manchester getting the same life changing service and opportunities to move on from the crap hand they’ve been dealt this far!

The majority of women who used our services last year were between the ages of 25 and 55. However, we are seeing an increasing number of younger and older women accessing our services and expect these numbers to increase as the cost of living crisis and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic push more women into poverty. Over 80% of our service users identify as having some form of disability and improving case management, referral and service provision to this group is a prime focus for us.

We know that key to improving our services will be better understanding the population of women who use our services and one of our main priorities is more service user involvement in our activities at every level.