Get to know our Experts by Experience
Who are our “Experts by Experience?”
Our Experts by Experience are people who have personal, lived experience of using health, mental health and/or social care services, or of caring for someone who uses those services. Someone who has been there, walked in shoes similar to yours, understands how you’re feeling and the challenges you may be facing. They have their own relatable story and therefore offer respect, compassion with no judgment.
We believe that we are all stronger by working together in a way which values life experience equally with that of people who are experts because of their profession. Experts by Profession, (for example mental health or other healthcare professionals)
Experts by Experience can get involved by:
- Joining our Virtual Reference Group
- Joining our Experts by Experience Group
- Feeding into the design, delivery, development of the college
- Attending meetings to give feedback
- Helping to develop new learning and training sessions
- Supporting others to deliver training
- Training as a Peer Tutor
- Evaluating the college by interviewing some of our learners
Experts by Experience FAQs
Will I have to fill in any forms to join in? Yes. You may be asked to complete a short volunteer form before joining the EBE Group. We will ask you a bit about yourself and the sort of activities you would like to be involved in. We may also have to do a DBS (disclosure barring service) check with you in line with our volunteer policy.
Will there be any training? Yes. Training will be provided for certain roles if you choose to do them, (for example, Peer Tutor and Evaluation training). We will support any reasonable adjustments needed to help ensure that opportunities are open to as wide a group as possible.
What happens if I become unwell, or don’t want to continue with my role? Please do not worry as we fully understand that this may happen. You can opt out at any point or take a break.
Do I get any expenses? Yes. This will be in line with our volunteer expenses policy. We ask you to provide receipts for any fares/parking.
Can I speak to someone before I get involved? Yes. We can put you in touch with one of our Experts by Experience leads, for more information use the contact details in the section below.
How can I sign up to get involved?
You can let us know you are interested by emailing us on: HW_WellbeingRecoveryCollege@comfirst.org.uk
Or you can contact Karen Bent, one of our Expert by Experience Leads: Mobile: 07789 068808 Telephone: 01432 842200 Email: karenbent@nhs.net
What can we learn about recovery from Jonathan Livingston Seagull
Reflections on Recovery from Sarah Taylor-Robinson
Downloadable Resources: