ChangeMakers
Our ChangeMakers programme is an initiative designed to build a more equitable and inclusive organisation in which everyone can thrive.
Originally developed in collaboration between Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) and Dr Eden Charles of the NHS England Leadership Academy, this programme is about working together across GMMH to change our systems, structures, processes, and culture, based upon fairness, understanding and inclusion; in turn improving the experiences of underrepresented staff and those receiving care.
Learning from one another
ChangeMakers brings together diverse staff and senior leaders from across GMMH to learn from one another and work collaboratively on real improvements to staff experience and patient care.
Running over 12-months, each cohort takes part in regular workshops and learning groups. Over this time, Senior leaders and diverse staff members are also paired up to form a one-to-one Reciprocal Mentoring Partnership.
All participants are equal, working together closely to gain a genuine understanding of each other’s lived experiences, and to become agents of change; whilst getting involved in real life projects designed to improve staff experiences and enable career progression.
Our first cohort took place in 2025, and our second is now in full swing!
This is what some of our first cohort of ChangeMakers have said:
“The programme made me realise how much I, as an individual, was able to influence change.”
"The ChangeMakers programme gave me the opportunity to network in a way that has positioned me to make positive change within the Trust.”
“The programme gave me renewed enthusiasm and hope for change, and movement towards goals of equality, inclusion and genuine valuing of difference. I gained a network of expertise to draw on in turning aspirations into actions.”
“Sharing our life story and seeing what everyone had been through to get to where we are today broadened my perspective, felt inspiring and made me feel like I belong.”
The ChangeMakers Podcast
Welcome to the ChangeMakers Podcast. This series is all about personal stories that inspire reflection, compassion and transformation throughout the organisation.
Hosted by ChangeMakers themselves, each episode explores what it means to create equitable, culturally competent and compassionate care environments, inviting every listener to think, connect and contribute to positive change.
Loveness and Tracy on Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage
In this episode of the ChangeMakers podcast, Loveness Ncube and Tracy Slaughter, speak on behalf of the Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage (REACH) programme team, to discuss the development of a Trust-wide Community of Practice focused on reducing racism-related incidents and improving how services respond when they occur.
Together, they explore how education, diversity and inclusion, and quality improvement methods are helping to create safer, more inclusive environments for staff and service users, while strengthening partnerships to tackle inequalities and improve responses to hate crime.
As you'll hear throughout the conversation, there are valuable reflections on collaboration, culture, and the collective responsibility we all share in creating environments where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.
Enjoy the episode and please get in touch with the REACH Team on QualityImprovement@gmmh.nhs.uk if you want to be involved.
As a service user, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support.
Find resources for carers and service users Contact the Trust