How it works

Be heard, get paid and build new skills…

An Expert by Experience (EbE) is a person with lived experience of accessing, or caring for someone who has accessed, the Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service.

We work to champion the voice of people with lived experience to help shape the design, development, delivery and evaluation of our service. We want to create opportunities for collaboration between staff, former patients, and their friends, family and carers.

Our EbEs are invited to communicate their personal experiences of using the service, in a way that can create meaningful change, and represent a variety of different views.

Benefits

There are many benefits to being an EbE, and people sign up for a variety of reasons.

• You can have your say on your experience of using the service

• You can draw on your experience to improve the service for others in need of support

• You can build your confidence

• You can develop new skills

• You can connect with others with a shared lived experience

• You will receive training and be paid for your commitment.

Requirements

All we ask is that you, or someone you have cared for, have used the Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service in the past 5 years.

There is a range of time commitments to our opportunities. Some take place in person and during the day, such as interview panels. Some will be online and outside of normal working hours, such as advisory groups. You are welcome to take part in what is of interest and what works best for you.

We have a mix of opportunities both in person and online, however the role of an EbE does require you to have access to internet and email.

There are no minimum or maximum time commitments, and qualifications or prior experience isn’t necessary. Following your training we'd appreciate your involvement as much as you like.

Training

We offer essential training for anyone wanting to be an EbE. This is a personal development opportunity which can help improve confidence, and build skills in things such as problem solving and communication.

Training is free, takes place online and is lead by our Participation Leads. You’ll learn about how we work with people with lived experience and how to ensure confidentiality and safeguarding. We will also explain how the whole process works and the ways in which you can use your training to make the most of being an EbE.

There is no examination or assessment at the end of the training - all you need to do is attend.

First steps

If you’re interested in being an EbE, the first thing to do is complete an Expression of Interest Form.

Once we receive your form, a member of our team will be in touch for a chat to explain what’s involved and answer any questions you might have. If you’re happy to go ahead, you’ll be added to the waiting list for training.

Next steps

Once trained you will be able to choose from the opportunities available - within the Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service, across the rest of Brighton and Hove and East and West Sussex.

You can select the the projects you’re interested in working on. There will be a description of each project along with the goals of the project and desired outcome. You will also find a list of requirements, such as if you need to have lived experience of mental health services, plus hours and any time commitments required.

We will support you throughout this and will be available for any queries you may have.