(1) What is an Expert with Lived Experience?
An Expert with Lived Experience (also commonly known as an Expert By Experience) is an individual who has personal experiences of a particular area of interest that wants to encourage positive changes within the specific area of interest.
For example, I encourage positive changes to the way people access services in Telford and Wrekin that deliver Autism inclusive services. One way that I have helped make a positive change in Telford and Wrekin is by supporting Midlands Partnership Foundation NHS Trust (MPFT) with interviewing for Autism related vacancies.
(2) What can Experts with Lived Experience do to help?
This is a common question I get asked quite frequently, but to help those who may not be aware, I have listed below what Experts with Lived Experience can help with.
- Events
- Attend Meetings (i.e. Making it Real, Partnership Boards,)
- Co-Production
- Volunteering in Specific Area’s of Interest
- Help and Support Businesses and Not-for-Profit Organisations
- Information Sharing
- Interview Panels
- Provide Information, Lived Experience Advice and Guidance
- Become a Trustee of a Charity
- Support with filling out a form (depending on their knowledge, experience and how confident they feel with doing this)
Please note that the above list is only the most common area’s that Experts with Lived Experience can help with, however they are many more opportunities out there that they can do.
(3) What can Experts with Lived Experience not help with?
This is also a common question that I’m asked occasionally but is also important to know so that Experts with Lived Experience don’t find themselves in difficult circumstances.
- Giving Professional Advice (unless they obtain up-to-date and relevant training/ qualifications to be able to do so.
- Making Complaints on Behalf of an Individual (Support and Guidance can be offered where appropriate)
- Make Formal Decisions on Subjects Out of Their Remits
- Questioning Legal Bodies Decision Making on Behalf of an Organisation or Individual
Please note that the above list is only the common area’s that Experts with Lived Experience cannot help with. If they were to carry out any of the above tasks, then appropriate actions could be made against them.