30 years lived experience in the mental health system. Deep insight into client issues and experiences.
Lived experience advocates are experts by experience. The experience of trauma survivors,suicide survivors and those with mental health issues is invaluable to policy design and delivery. What we bring to the table is equally important as those of the academic credentials that people earn. It's incredibly important that we work as partners.
I strongly believe lived experience should be a guiding force in helping to shape the way services are designed and delivered. To ensure quality control.To make services relevant and accessible to clients.
Lived experience advocates when involved in program and policy design increase credibility and trust in the community. Also improving community linkages through outreach services and the continuum of care.
We are important stakeholders and have much to bring to the table.