The Importance of Lived Experience in Mental Health Services

This video from the BIGSPD25 conference in Liverpool dives into the significance of lived experience in mental health services and the role of lived experience practitioners. 00:00 Introduction to Lived Experience and Common Sense 00:43 The Role of Lived Experience Practitioners 01:46 Challenges in the NHS for Lived Experience Practitioners 02:28 Burnout and Support Systems 03:38 Professionalizing the Lived Experience Workforce 04:44 Debate on Professionalisation and Its Implications 05:28 Do We Need a Professional Body for Lived Experience? 06:49 The Future of Lived Experience as a Profession The speakers discuss the challenges faced by lived experience practitioners in the NHS, including financial hardships, the need for co-production, and the struggle to maintain well-being and avoid burnout. The conversation also touches on the need to professionalise and organise the lived experience workforce to gain credibility, recognition, and support while navigating the complexities of such integration. Moreover, the potential benefits and risks of institutionalising lived experience work are examined, emphasising the need for thoughtful and sensitive implementation. The video features: Marie Coyle, aka Mad Irish Artist, LED on the Northern Ireland PDMCN and member of NI Mental Health Engagement Platform. Ellie Wildbore, Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS FT Jane Wackett, Interim Lived Experience Lead CEN pathway Trustwide, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust Fi Kuhn Tompson, Co-President of BIGSPD, Deputy Director of Lived Experience at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust All interviews were conducted by André Tomlin from the Mental Elf at the British and Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorder Annual Conference in Liverpool in 2025. Register for the 2026 BIGSPD Annual Conference in Blackpool at: https://bigspd.org.uk/conference-2026/