Date published: December 5, 2024
New resources highlight the importance of lived experience in health and social care events
People’s lived experiences of health and social care can bring insight and ideas that have positive implications for the development of policy and practice in public services. Yet, too often, the voices of people who draw on care and support are missing from events and debates that shape the policies and programmes that affect their lives.
Social Care Future, In Control, and Think Local Act Personal teamed up to research how to make events more inclusive, drawing on the insights and experiences of almost 40 older and disabled people and carers who speak at events, and 16 organisations that host, commission, or organise events in England’s health and care sector.
Several Shared Lives Plus Ambassadors contributed to the research, sharing their experiences to ensure that people who rely on care and support are actively included in these important conversations.
This suite of resources brings together the findings, a practical toolkit for event organisers, as well as support for connecting event organisers, news agencies, editors, and policymakers with people who draw on long-term health and social care to live their lives. It highlights key barriers that can prevent people with lived experience from fully participating in events and provides guidance on how we can overcome those barriers and put lived experience front and centre.
To access the resources, visit the Inclusive and Insightful Events Toolkit.
