South West London and St George's Mental Health (SWLSTG) trust is launching a public consultation to become an NHS foundation trust.

NHS chiefs are hoping the SWLSTG will become locally managed and directly accountable to its members if it gets foundation status.

The trust would be run by local residents, service users, carers and trust staff.

People who want to take part in the consultation can access it on the SWLSTG website, neighbouring GP practices, libraries and during a roadshow event.

The Have Your Say roadshow is visiting Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth during the 12 week period.

Visitors will have the chance to talk to directors and staff, as well as hear about plans for the future.

Peter Molyneux, chairman of SWLSTG, said: "Becoming a NHS foundation trust will mean SWLSTG will have far greater independence to develop patient-focused services with our partners, and to continue to provide high-quality care for people of all ages with mental health problems in Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth.

"We can also continue to develop our national specialist services, such as the only dedicated in-patient unit for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in the UK."

The consultation is set to run for 12 weeks and launches on May 21.

For more information and roadshow dates visit swlstg-tr.nhs.uk/about-us/get_involved/nhs-foundation-trust/