Promoting the value of Experts by Experience
This World Mental Health Day, we encourage professionals across Derby and Derbyshire to recognise the value of lived experience in shaping mental health services.
The resource showcases the work of some of our 32 ‘Experts by Experience’, individuals who bring unique insights from their personal journeys through health and care services.
Our experts represent a wide range of backgrounds, including carers, neurodivergent individuals, people from minority communities, and those with long-term mental and physical health conditions.
They offer insights that go beyond clinical knowledge, helping to design and improve services that are truly responsive to the needs of the community.
Their contributions have already made an impact. Experts have co-designed mandatory risk assessment training for clinicians, advised on gatekeeping policies for crisis teams, and helped develop new 24/7 mental health hubs. They’ve trained ward staff on ‘purposeful admissions’, reviewed urgent care services, and participated in staff recruitment for the Living Well service.
Dean Howells, Chief Nursing Officer, NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB said “If we want services that truly meet people where they are, we must start by listening to those who have walked the path.
“The insights shared by Experts by Experience encourage us to rethink how we design, deliver, and evaluate care, not just in mental health, but across the entire health and care system.
“As professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure these voices are not only heard but actively embedded in our work.
“I encourage colleagues across Derby and Derbyshire to make use of this resource, reach out to Mental Health Together, and involve these experts in your projects.
“Whether you’re reviewing a service, developing training, or planning a new initiative, their lived experience can help us build services that are not only clinically sound but truly person-centred.”
We invite professionals to explore the new resource and connect with voices of lived experience.
Connect with us via email: ddicb.mentalhealthtogether@nhs.net
