‘The Power of Lived Experience’ took place on 20 September at the Civic Centre in Carlisle, hosted in partnership by Healthwatch Cumberland and Cumberland Council.
The event invited several local community organisations along to have their say, present to other organisations on who they are, their achievements, and how they are informing and shaping local services. Community Groups in attendance ranged in lived experience areas, from addiction, pregnancy and infant loss, mental health, special educational needs and disability, poverty, and more.
The afternoon consisted of attendees working in small groups to discuss what is currently being done to improve experiences, and how lived experience can inform future practice. Discussions also took place surrounding what can be done to support people with lived experience to ensure they are comfortable to provide their views and insight to organisations.
The event marks the start of Cumberland Council’s initiative to work more closely with the community to develop services, with those who use and rely on them most. Cumberland Council officers expressed their praise and appreciation for lived experience community groups, as well as their enthusiasm and commitment to working with the wider community to improve services.
Chris Jones-King, Director of Adult Social Care and Housing for Cumberland Council, said:
“The Power of Lived Experience event was a fantastic opportunity to start conversations around collaboration and coproduction with local community support groups. It cannot be understated the positive impact these groups have in supporting communities in the Cumberland area through a huge variety of situations, and we are incredibly appreciative of the work they do. We look forward to working with these groups and Healthwatch Cumberland in future, and would encourage anyone who is a part of a local community support group to get in touch if they would like to be involved. Individuals can also attend our local community panels.”
Lindsay Graham, Director of Healthwatch Cumberland, said:
“This event is the start of a long journey to truly recognise, value and support the amazing work people in Cumberland do, by using their own lived experiences to influence and drive change. It was a privilege to listen, and we are grateful to all those who attended. We now have to work together to make Cumberland a place where local people are involved in the shaping, monitoring, and commissioning local services. I am excited to see where this goes!”
Local Community Support Groups can find out more about getting involved in future Lived Experience events by emailing:
Information about Cumberland Council Community Panels can be found here: What are Community Panels and how do I apply for support? | Cumberland Council