SURF began after an open event hosted by BCHA to encourage their Service Users to get involved and have their say about the services provided for them by BCHA. 

A small number of service users were intrigued by this and decided to meet to discuss how we could take this forward.  Some of the founder members still being actively involved these being Reg Mitchell, Sue Salmon, Linda Rowlands and Paul Heath who although not a member now still pops in to give his advice.

The first thing we needed to do was come up with a name, and we all agreed that “SURF” (Service Users Representative Forum).  Although now we are known as Service Users and Residents Forum, since we merged with BCHA’s Tenants Forum.

We decided that the group should meet weekly and came up with our own constitution, rules for the group and roles and responsibilities of the committee.  We used to meet wherever there was a space for us available, St Pauls, BCHA Head Office, Vale Road and sometimes at the Anglo Swiss.  Now as you may know we have our own office in Boscombe.

We started visiting projects asking Service Users for their opinions of the services BCHA provided, reporting back to BCHA with our opinions and recommendations of how BCHA could improve what was offered.  Living conditions of service users were improved and continue to be improved.

Members of the group are involved in looking at BCHAs Policy’s and Procedures, and have a say in all BCHAs leaflets and plans.  We have members on BCHAs and Hypeds board, and also all of BCHAs committees. Our mission statement is “Together We Can” and SURF work closely with BCHA, trying to break down the barriers of the “them and us” feeling among service users.  Working Together to improve the services provided by BCHA.

There is also the fun element of SURF, planning our Christmas and Summer Events, Bowling Trips and open events.

Training has also been provided for the group around self esteem, assertiveness, boundaries as well as workshops specially designed to our needs.

Why not join us?
Click here to see our simple membership form

Events, visits and plans
Click here to see our up-coming socials

Some of our achievements
Click here to find out where we've made a difference

SURF's history
Click here to find out how we started

SURF scores
Like to join us for footy?

Who we are
Click here to read our mission Statement.