Background: In the last six years, the Cochrane Consumer Network (CCNet) has striven to be more inclusive in providing an end-user perspective to the work of The Cochrane Collaboration. CCNet supports and guides consumers to comment on Cochrane protocols and reviews in development and as they are updated - from a consumer, patient, caregiver and community perspective. An important part of our role is also to increase public awareness of The Cochrane Library and of how systematic reviews of best evidence can contribute to evidence-based health care worldwide. Objectives: To increase awareness of the role of consumers, supported by CCNet, in the work of The Cochrane Collaboration; to identify achievements, gaps, and how we can best progress our mission with the joint effort required; to inform and develop regional groups of CCNet members to work most effectively in their own countries. Methods: Members of CCNet were asked to describe how they were going about furthering public knowledge about The Cochrane Library and evidence-based health care in their countries, how they addressed the role civil society members can play within The Cochrane Collaboration through the support of the Cochrane Consumer Network, and how they can be aided in this process were discussed. Plain language summaries of Cochrane reviews, prioritisation of Cochrane reviews from an end-user perspective and the development of workshop frameworks and other resources to aid consumer involvement were addressed. Results: The main presenters discuss their experiences in working to increase public awareness about The Cochrane Library and the role they can play in the development of Cochrane protocols and reviews in their countries. They address challenges, achievements, support systems, gaps and where collaboration and support is needed. Conclusions: There is a real need for increasing support systems within The Cochrane Collaboration as well as for training and guidance and due documented acknowledgement.