Help us shape the future of Mental Health Support

Thank you to everyone who took part in, or shared information about our Shaping the Future survey as part of CPSL Mind’s new strategy development. We are very grateful for your support in helping us better understand what matters to our local communities. All of your valuable insights will help us shape the direction of Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) Mind’s activities from 2026 and beyond.

We look forward to sharing our new strategy in 2026 which will be published on our website and social media channels with paper copies available on request. While our Strategy Listening Phase has drawn to a close, we will continue to listen, learn, adapt and improve to ensure we continue meeting the needs of the people and communities we support. Feedback channels include our organisational survey platform, Your Views Matter for people who use our services or you can email us at enquiries@cpslmind.org.uk or call our team on 0300 303 4363.

For anyone interested in opportunities, including the design, planning, production and delivery of projects and services in ways that reflect and value the lived and living experience of everyone involved, please contact Co-production@cpslmind.org.uk. We’d love to hear from you.

Insights, ideas, and experiences are the foundation of CPSL Mind’s future strategy – it all helps to form a CPSL Mind that truly reflects and responds to the needs of our communities in 2026 and beyond.

Your voice matters and the survey will help influence and shape the direction of CPSL Mind’s activities. The charity has heard from everyone in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire, because your experiences can help CPSL Mind shape how the charity offers support and what direction the organisation takes in the future.

While the charity can’t promise to use every idea shared, CPSL Mind can promise to hear every idea.

The survey included questions on CPSL Mind’s current direction, vision, mission and values and asks questions such as: ‘What do we want our communities to look like in 2030?’ The strategy also focusses on how CPSL Mind should work with others and asks, ‘What should CPSL Mind be known for?’  People were also encouraged to think about innovation and influence.

CPSL Mind is recognised for delivering vital support services to people across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, and South Lincolnshire and the new strategy development will provide the opportunity to pause and reflect on the fantastic work achieved to date and look at how the charity can grow and develop.

Nicola Brennan, Executive Assistant and Business Support at CPSL Mind, said, “What I love about CPSL Mind is that we are a listening organisation. This new strategy offers us the opportunity connect with our communities and really listen, which is vital in helping us shape our future strategy. At CPSL Mind, we are always evolving to ensure we develop and tailor services to meet the needs of our local communities.”

Nicola continues, “We’re really motivated for our next chapter and it’s so important that your insights are part of shaping the future of mental health support.”

Lisa Gibson, Head of Service Innovation and Business Development at CPSL Mind, said, “As we begin to look ahead to a new strategy from 2026 it is important to us that we hear from individuals in our communities so that we set a direction that will truly meet the needs of people across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire. We are a collaborative organisation, guided by lived and living experience, it is our intention that this is reflected in the process and final strategy document which will be published in 2026.”

Allan Hughes, Co-Production Lead at CPSL Mind, said, “Everyday in my role at CPSL Mind I have the privilege of meeting people who courageously share their stories and experiences to support our vital work. Co-production is such a powerful and important way to ensure every voice, experience, and piece of feedback is listened to. I’m delighted to be part of the future strategy team.”

Allan concludes, “The more voices we hear, the more inclusive and relevant our strategy will be. Local knowledge is powerful, and you know the pressures, gaps, and strengths in our area better than anyone. CPSL Mind has gone through so much organisational change but has always kept the people it supports at the forefront of its mission. We hope you can join us as we embark on our next exciting and meaningful step.”

CPSL Mind delivers a wide range of local services, from peer support groups and crisis care to perinatal services and its community focused Good Life Service, which includes its drop-in Good Mood Cafes. The organisation supported over 6,000 people across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire in 2023–24.

The charity supports people in their road to recovery from mental health challenges, promotes positive mental health and campaigns against stigma and discrimination. CPSL Mind believe that no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone.

The charity’s Good Mood Cafes provide an informal place for people to connect with like-minded individuals in the community. The drop-in service is a lifeline to so many people, like Danny and Aaron:

Real Stories, Real Impact

Aaron’s Story:

“Every Thursday, at The Farmers in Yaxley, I have the privilege of attending the Good Mood Cafe. From the start, I was offered support in many areas of my life. I’ve seen shy individuals – including myself – come out of their shells, make friends, and gain confidence.

As someone who is neurodivergent with sensory challenges, I often feel unsure of myself. But Shannon (one of the Good Mood Cafe facilitators) and the other attendees are unfailingly friendly and supportive. This cafe has become more than just a meeting place. It’s a community where I feel safe, accepted, and never judged.”

Danny’s Journey:

“When I first came to a Good Mood Cafe in St Ives four years ago, I was really struggling with depression and anxiety. I felt completely isolated.

Now, I attend the Yaxley group every Thursday – and even on days when I feel down, it gives me a reason to get up. It’s a place where I can talk and feel part of something.

I often show up in fun outfits, tell jokes, and try to spread some joy – and in return, I feel lighter too. It’s a two-way street where everyone benefits.

If you’re unsure, just pop in – it might be the best thing you do for yourself.”

CPSL Mind will be launching its new strategy in 2026. You can visit the CPSL Mind website to find out more about how the charity supports people. www.cpslmind.org.uk

Ends

Notes to editors

Media contacts:

For further information and/or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson from CPSL Mind, please contact:

Olivia Hubbard, Communications and Engagement Manager

Email: Olivia.hubbard@cpslmind.org.uk

Mobile: 07759 838902 Office: 0300 303 4363

CPSL Mind

Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind (CPSL Mind) is a leading local mental health charity in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire and supports local people in their recovery from mental health challenges, promotes wellbeing, and campaigns against stigma and discrimination: http://www.cpslmind.org.uk

We believe that no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone. If you are facing difficulties with your emotional or mental health and are looking for support on your road to recovery, we are here for you.