AVON and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust users will have the chance to decide for themselves about research opportunities.

Last year, a survey was conducted with service users about how they would like to find out about research. Of those asked only one per cent voted for the current way, which requests clinicians to make the first contact with a service user.

An overwhelming majority (70 per cent) said they would prefer to be told directly and choose for themselves whether to find out more. AWP will now be writing to all users asking whether they would like to receive information about relevant research opportunities, which they may wish to take part in.

Taking part in research can involve filling in questionnaires, being interviewed or trying new medications or therapy approaches.

To find out more email awp.researchforall@nhs.net or call 0117 3784535 between 9am and 5pm.