Developing resources to understand lived experience influence and participation

What is the opportunity?

Could you help develop resources to support understanding of how people with lived experience of mental health problems can influence and shape work?

We are looking to create a glossary of terms to help people’s understanding of the language used to describe lived experience influence and participation. We are also looking to create some examples to describe the different ways this work can happen.

More information on what we mean by lived experience influence and participation

The resource we create will support Mind staff and people with lived experience to understand what we mean when we talk about influence and participation.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a person with lived experience of mental health problems. We encourage applications from people who haven’t used or heard of these terms before or who haven’t worked in this area and can provide a fresh perspective.

Skills required to do the role

• Being able to speak and share ideas in a group
• Listening to, discussing and respecting differing opinions
• Reading and reviewing material and making recommendations for creating the resources

It is desirable but not essential for the successful applicant to be someone who hasn’t used or heard of terms such as ‘lived experience’ or ‘influence and participation’ etc. before or who haven’t worked in the area and can provide a fresh perspective.

We value the power of diversity and are particularly interested in hearing from under represented communities. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We are creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is appreciated for being authentic and bringing their whole selves to work regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, identity, background and experience.

What will you need to do? 

We will be working together in a small group of three people to create the resources, and decision making will be shared equally.
You will be working with:

• A member of the lived experience team at Mind
  • The lived experience team works to ensure people with lived experience of mental health problems are involved in influencing and shaping Mind’s work
• An equality improvement consultant who works with Mind

 

There will be 2 x hour and half online sessions. These will be held between Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Exact timings will be agreed by the group. We will use Teams/Zoom to run the online sessions.

Expectations

• You will need to be able to attend both sessions
• Before and after sessions you may need to read and make comments and suggestions on documents
• You will need access to the internet
• You will have personal experience of mental health problems

Support

• 15-20 minute individual call before workshops to make sure you have everything you need to do your best work
• Support with access requirements

Benefits of taking part

• You will contribute to creating resources to support other people with lived experience to participate in Minds work
• You will have the opportunity to gain or develop your skills of working in a group and creating a resource

Payment

• We will pay you a rate of £230 for 7 hours work.
• We expect the project to take up to 7 hours in June/July.

How to apply

Please send answers to the questions below via email to [email protected]

If you would rather give your answers via by phone, please text or call on 07385968897 to arrange a time that would suit. If there is no answer, please leave a voicemail with your number and we will get back to you.

Please answer the questions below:

1. Name
2. Please give your phone number (if you prefer this method of communication) or your preferred email address
3. Please let us know if you have any specific requirements or need support to participate
4. Let us know any days/times you generally can’t do (for the online workshops)
5. Why would you like to take part in this opportunity? (200 word limit)
6. Explain what you feel is important when creating information or guidance for people to use (200 word limit)
7. Tell us about a time when you worked well within a group? What skills did you use? e.g. communication skills (200 word limit)

Please check you have answered all the questions before sending your application.

Please apply by 8pm on Sunday 5 June 2022

Please use questions 5, 6 and 7 to let us know about your skills, experience and interest in this project. We will use these questions to decide who will take part.

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to get back to all applications individually. If you have been successful, we will be in touch by 17 June.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Nicola, The Lived Experience Team