AN Ilkley woman is spearheading a new initiative aimed at improving the treatment of those with mental health problems.

Louise Puddephat is one of two women taken on by Leeds Community and Mental Health Services to act as Service User Involvement Facilitators.

It means the women will work with those with mental health problems to get the best possible care.

They will also make a valuable contribution to the development and planning of mental health services in Leeds.

Louise, 43, has first hand experience of mental illness.

She told Wharfedale Newspapers: "People who are using the services are experts who can tell us what is working well and what needs improving.

"They can help us to make sure that our services really meet their needs."

Louise first encountered mental health services following the birth of her third child in 1987 when she was diagnosed with post-natal depression.

Formerly a successful actress, Louise had switched careers and was working in insurance.

She was working full time and coping with a disabled son and two other young children when something had to give.

Louise received treatment for her illness which was unsuitable and actually made things worse. If only I knew then what I know now," she said.

"I lost my husband, my children and my home, mainly because the people closest to me, including myself, had no understanding of mental distress.

"I felt very alone with no-one to talk to."

She said after surviving her experience, she became determined to do something to help others in a similar situation.

"I wanted to reassure people that you can have a mental health problem and manage life, work and a social life just like anyone else."

After her illness was diagnosed, Louise worked tirelessly in a wide range of voluntary roles for a number of mental health organisations.

She also helped to support people through mental health advocacy, on a crisis helpline and through counselling.

One of her most significant achievements was her work with a multi-disciplinary team in Bradford.

There, she worked to support people with long term mental health needs living in the community.

It was this work that eventually led her to her new role at Leeds Community and Mental Health Services Teaching NHS Trust and brought her back to her home town.

Plans for the future include a commitment to cut out jargon from all Trust information and the inclusion of those who use mental health services in all aspects of the Trust's work.

There will also be a programme where student nurses can work more closely with service users to understand the issues and experiences they encounter.

Joining Louise will be Joanna Wright, 27, from Pudsey.

A mental health nurse in Leeds from 1996, she felt her new role would be a worthwhile and exciting challenge.

Her job will be to focus on supporting service users who have mental health issues and also have contact with the criminal justice system.

She said: "I think that because I have experiences of mental health services myself, people will find it easier to trust me and I can understand exactly what they are going through and what their issues are.

"I am here to provide the bridge that has been missing between the service users and staff delivering their care."

The two appointments have been made as part of bigger plans to focus more on service users and their carers in the work of the Trust.