I am writing to you on behalf of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health, (CPPIH), London Region.  CPPIH London Region supports 74 Patient and Public Involvement Forums (PPIFs) across London.  The forums have been established to give people an opportunity to become involved in decisions about health and health care. For further information please visit our web site on www.cppih.org

London Region CPPIH supports a network of the 11 Mental Health PPIFs in London. In 2004-05, the network commissioned research into the mental health needs of Refugees and Asylum seekers.  This year (2005-2006) we have commissioned further research and the production of a best practice guide, intended for those organisations either providing or commissioning mental health services for Refugees and Asylum seekers.

We would like to seek your views on the draft guide and we are holding a meeting on 24 March to invite people to contribute their views.

Ruth Appleton, a member of the Camden and Islington Mental Health PPIF, has passed me your contact details as someone who may be interested in attending.

If you wish to attend please either email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone Pavlina Pyari on 020 7788 4900. If you are unable to attend but wish to offer comments, please let me know.  We will send you a copy of the draft guide and you can send in written comments.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Yours sincerely


Rosie Newbigging
London Region CPPIH