News

For people using forensic mental health services, being listened to is powerful. Many have experienced being spoken about rather than spoken with, or having assumptions made before they have the chance to explain who they are, what they need, or what they can offer. Stigma often follows people into rooms long before their voice has been heard.

Earlier this summer, people with lived experience from across North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC) services came together to celebrate the progress they have made in helping shape and improve care for others. The event, held in partnership with User Voice, brought together service users and staff who share a common goal: using their experiences to help improve services for people currently accessing forensic mental health care.

We work with people across hospitals and community services to understand how they use community forensic services. These service users, called Community Connectors, share their experiences of their care and treatment day to day within the Commissioning Hub. This helps us design, improve, and review community services, including those run by charities, social enterprises, and voluntary organisations.

Throughout the day, participants reflected on their personal journeys, shared ideas and celebrated achievements. There was a strong sense of community, with people coming together to support one another and discuss how lived experience can continue to influence positive change. One participant said, “It felt empowering to connect with the wider lived experience community, bonding and working as one team.”

A highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to Patient Council members and Community Connectors who had completed accredited training. The certificates recognised their commitment, skills and leadership, while celebrating the important contribution they make to improving services for others.

Participants also took part in workshops exploring how lived experience can have a greater influence on service development and commissioning decisions. Discussions focused on ensuring that feedback leads to meaningful action and that people are supported to help shape decisions that affect their care and support. One attendee reflected, “Communicating and sharing a problem is halving the problem. Keep thinking, keep talking and sharing, stay compassionate.”

The discussions and feedback gathered during the event will help inform ongoing work to strengthen co-production across NLFC, ensuring people with lived experience continue to have a meaningful role in shaping services.

The event highlighted the impact that can be achieved when people are given the opportunity, confidence and support to share their experiences. It was also a reminder that lived experience is not only about reflecting on the past, but about helping to create better services for the future.