This document looks at collaboration in mental health services between service providers and service users, although much will be of interest to all groups involved in collaborative ventures. There are two components in the process of collaboration: firstly, users need to work together to find a collective voice; and secondly, staff need to be enabled to hear and act upon what users are saying. This discussion document reflects on why and in what way mental health services should actively seek to involve users, so as to offer a comprehensive and appropriate service.