People who have experience of dealing with mental illness have been urged to join a scheme to help others in crisis.

The peer experience listening project, run by Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust enables service users and carers to give feedback on the service they have received from the trust.

The trust uses the feedback gathered to develop its service, as well as directly contributing to staff training.

The trust is now looking for more people from the county to be involved in this valuable project. Anyone in Hertfordshire who has had experience of mental health services, whether personally or as a carer, can take part.

Tanya Hammond, from Watford, who cares for her mother, has been a listener for just over a year.

She said: "I like talking to people who are carers and who are in the same boat as me.

"Being a peer experience listener is helping me cope with my carer role as I’m going out and talking to other carers and I feel like I’m not alone. The other listeners are fantastic and I’ve made some great friends."

Those who are interested in finding out more about the scheme can call 01727 804803 or email pel@hpft.nhs.uk