The Power of Lived Experience

About our Expert by Experience Leaders

Alex, Expert by Experience

Intro
“I’ve been an EbE leader for a year. I joined when I met Open Mental Health at a conference where their passion and commitment to changing services amazed me, I didn’t realize it was possible to be so empowered.”

Projects & Passions
“If I had to pick one thing I’ve done I’m most proud of, it’s Crisis Safe Space. Working in partnership we’ve created a safe space for people who are in crisis to go that’s supportive and gets them the help they need, rather than A&E.”

Wishes for the future
“I hope we continue to grow as a team, continue to support each other and continue to change services. I would love to have a proper partnership and for our reach to extend far further than it does now.”

One line to describe you as an EbE Leader
“I’ve gone from strength to strength since I started, and I’m really proud of my own journey and the difference I’ve made to services in Somerset”

Lucy, Expert by Experience

Intro
“I’ve been an EbE leader for just under a year. I’d been volunteering as a Peer Mentor when I met the Co-Production Team at a conference, and I felt instantly inspired by seeing the positive changes that had been made. I really wanted to use my lived experience to contribute toward something good.” 

Projects & Passions
“I’m incredibly passionate about the SMI Engagement Training and have seen the incredible impact this has had for those who undertake the session. It’s great to see that people want to change the way they currently work with those who have severe mental illness, address their own biases, and gain as much insight from those with lived experience possible.”    

Wishes for the future
“I can’t wait to see Open Mental Health expand as an alliance. There’s so much passion within the sector, and I can really see how keen we are to work together, grow together, and evolve together.  ” 

One line to describe you as an EbE Leader
“I’ve never had a voice, or thought I was someone worth listening to- this experience has shown me that I can be heard, that my history wasn’t all for nothing, and that something beautiful can grow from my past.” 

Debbie, Expert by Experience

Intro
“I’ve been an EbE leader for 4 months now. I heard about it through the 100 Women First group that I am part of and thought it would be a fantastic opportunity for me to be part of something where I can use my lived experience to help and support other people. It is so rewarding to be able to give back, as I am recovering and getting stronger now.” 

Projects & Passions
“I have just started working with the Sedgemoor Locality team and it’s very interesting finding out all the support that is out there. I was totally unaware that there were so many different groups and projects available. I am looking forward to joining more workstreams as I become more confident.

I volunteer at a forest school, that is a funded parent & toddler group for lower income families. I have been supporting the group for 18 months now and it is very rewarding to see the children and parents relax and enjoy the space and the beauty and peacefulness of the woods. ”    

Wishes for the future
“It is so empowering and confidence building to be able to use my lived experiences to make a difference to the way the NHS and other services evolve and develop and move forward.  ” 

One line to describe you as an EbE Leader
“It is such a wonderful feeling to be part of a supportive and understanding team where it is a safe space for me to speak and share my experiences and ideas.” 

Laura, Expert by Experience

Intro
“I’ve been an EbEL for nearly 3 years now. I started with the hopes of making improvements to mental health services in Somerset after experiencing post-natal depression and psychosis. I love being able to contribute my ideas towards expanding mental health services in Somerset.” 

Projects & Passions
“I’ve helped on dozens of workstreams, but I particularly enjoy the strategic work as my confidence has grown. Sitting on the Open Mental Health Partnership Board and Executive group with an equal voice as someone with lived experience is incredible to me and I love looking at the bigger picture on where the services are headed and how we are growing. ” 

Wishes for the future
“I would love for OMH to keep expanding and possibly branch out into new areas like maternal mental health. It would be brilliant to continue to bring on a diverse range of EbEL’s and to keep creating training and career opportunities for those with lived experience.  ” 

One line to describe you as an EbE Leader
“I feel encouraged, empowered and inspired by working for OMH every day, and I am so proud of everything we have achieved in Somerset; long may it continue to grow, develop and improve. Doing such meaningful work has completely transformed me both personally and professionally and I know I want to work to improve services for as long as I can.” 

Phoebe, Expert by Experience

Intro
“I became an EbEL in the Summer of 2022; I was working for the NHS as an Administrator at the time when a request to send out an email advertising the opportunity to become an EbEL popped into my inbox. The job description sparked my interest. I had been looking for something where I could combine my personal experience with Mental Health, my academic knowledge of Psychology, and my professional experience with the NHS. I like that I can draw on all my knowledge and experience at once.” 

Projects & Passions
“I like the work I am doing with the Neurodiverse workstream/project; I have shared my knowledge and experience of various apps, charities, websites, and services that offer support to those struggling with mental health and wellbeing. It is important that there is support for everyone that is both accessible, affordable, inclusive, and informative. I believe it is also important for resources and information to be accessible to friends, family members, carers, and teachers to ensure they are not only educated on how best to support someone who is struggling or has a disability, but to also be able to access support for themselves if they need to.” 

Wishes for the future
“It can take time for things to improve or change, but sometimes even just the smallest achievement makes a difference. I look forward to being a part of OMH as it grows. I am proud to be able to use my knowledge and lived experience to better shape and improve services both within and outside of the NHS.  ” 

One line to describe you as an EbE Leader
“I have always been open and honest about who I am, the struggles I have overcome, and the difficulties I face each day. I have used my lived experience to help and support friends and family members and I am excited to be able to do this on a larger scale as an EbEL working with OMH. ”