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"Being part of conversations that centre co-production made me feel valued and hopeful for the future of mental health care."

Sam, Advisory Group Member

The work of our Advisory Group

To find out more about the work of our Advisory Group, please read our FAQs below.

What is the Mary Frances Trust Advisory Group?

Our Advisory Group was set up in June 2017 by a group of individuals who have experienced mental health challenges themselves, or has cared for someone who has. The group contributes to the strategic direction of the organisation and provides a lived experience perspective. 

What does the Advisory Group do?

MFT is heavily influenced by current theories of Co-Production, where professionals and volunteer Advisors work together to design, improve and review our services.

The Advisory Group are involved in several different areas of the charity: this can range from the ‘big picture’ stuff – everything from strategy to policy – to the everyday running of our charity, where the group helps design and shape our courses, events, groups and activities. Check out live updates to see what we’re currently working on!

How does the Advisory Group work?

We meet once a month, to review and discuss new and ongoing projects within the charity.

Membership to the Advisory Group is voluntary and flexible; we understand that commitment can fluctuate and we work together as a group to support each other and Mary Frances Trust.

Get in touch!

To find out how to join the Advisory Group and register your interest, 
please contact us at coproduction@maryfrancestrust.org.uk

Megan

Delivery and Strategy Lead: Co-Production and Community Engagement (Leatherhead)

Portrait of Megan, Co-Production Lead, MFT

Megan joined MFT in January 2025 and looks after the development of our strategic priority for MFT to live and breathe co-production. She also facilitates our Advisory Group, and champions those with lived experience of mental health challenges to improve the way mental health support is developed, reviewed, and delivered.

Megan first learnt about co-production as a Lived Experience Advisor with the Independent Mental Health Network based at Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, contributing her own lived experience to mental health projects in Surrey and North East Hampshire after graduating university.

She has since worked on a range of development projects for Surrey’s mental health and wellbeing support, immersing community engagement and lived experience into research and decision-making. Additionally, she is an alumna for The King’s Fund after completing their Advanced Organisational Development Practitioner programme.

To maintain her wellbeing, Megan is an avid reader, journals, and practices Yoga.