What is Lived Experience?
The word Lived Experience is often used, do you know what it means?
The Victorian Health website states people with lived experience can identify either:
- as someone with personal experience of mental health challenges, psychological distress, substance use and/or addiction
- as a family member, friend, supporter, and/or carer who has experience in supporting a person living with mental ill-health, psychological distress, substance use and/or addiction.
This means someone who has personally navigated these challenges or who has firsthand experience supporting someone in these contexts. These profound experiences have transformed an individual's life trajectory and shaped their perspectives, identities, and overall outlook on life.
Within the mental health and wellbeing system, people with lived experience are sometimes referred to as ‘consumers' or ‘carers’.
What does Spectrum's lived experience workforce include?
At Spectrum, our lived experience workforce includes both:
- People with lived or living experience of personality disorder, complex trauma, and/or suicidal thoughts
- Carers who support someone experiencing these mental health experiences
These team members are involved in our service design, delivery, and evaluation—ensuring our work reflects real needs and real strengths.