World Mental Health Day 2026: Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change

Having been involved as an Expert by Experience for around seven months, Tracy has already contributed to discussions on a range of projects, including website design, AI and Oxfordshire Mind’s elevator pitch. Tracy has also completed training to take part in interview panels and is helping to develop bite-sized training for staff about lived experience interviewing.

For Tracy, the Lived Experience Panel is much more than an opportunity to contribute ideas. It has become something she genuinely looks forward to:

“The panel meetings and training at Oxfordshire Mind are real highlights in my calendar and give me such a huge boost every time.”

She values the opportunity to meet other Experts by Experience, hear different perspectives and work in partnership with Oxfordshire Mind staff. Being able to use her own experiences to help others has also given her a strong sense of purpose and belonging.

Getting involved has had a significant personal impact too, helping her build confidence, recognise her strengths and even begin exploring a possible career change.

“It gives me a real sense of being part of something bigger, and that I can use my experience to help others.”

Tracy feels there is a genuine desire to listen to people with lived experience and has seen her suggestions taken forward. Just as importantly, being involved has made a difference to her own mental health and wellbeing.

For anyone thinking about becoming an Expert by Experience, Tracy’s message is enthusiastic:

“Do it! Your experience is so valuable. You’ll have a chance to meet some lovely people, have a real sense of belonging and inclusion, and use your experience to help others.”

Looking back over their first seven months, she describes the experience simply as “amazing and transformative.”

She has been involved as an Expert by Experience for more than five years, contributing to a wide range of work across Oxfordshire Mind. This has included reviewing policies, supporting fundraising ideas, training, data work, representing Oxfordshire Mind at Expert by Experience forums and helping to recruit new staff.

She particularly enjoys recruitment, where she can draw on skills and insights gained during her 40-year professional career. One of her proudest moments was being involved in recruiting Oxfordshire Mind’s current CEO and their administrative assistant, and then seeing them grow and flourish in their roles.

For her, being an Expert by Experience is also an opportunity to use her skills to make a difference:

“I can’t run marathons or take on extreme challenges, but being able to apply my 40 years of business experience to a charity that makes a tangible difference to the community it serves is as rewarding as climbing Snowdon.”

Being involved introduces her to people with different backgrounds, experiences and ideas, while providing a meaningful connection that supports her own wellbeing.

“Being an EbE provides the regular, meaningful connection I need to stay healthy.”

She believes the Expert by Experience voice helps Oxfordshire Mind listen to and understand the perspectives of the people and communities it supports, bringing greater focus, compassion and inclusivity to its work.

And for anyone thinking about getting involved, she says:

“It sounds a fancy title – who is an expert on life? No one. But it is a way to share your experiences with a view to making a purposeful difference. I feel a little bit braver every time I take part in EbE work – it makes me feel relevant and visible.”

Having been involved as an Expert by Experience for over 20 years, this panel member has contributed to a wide range of work, from mental health recovery and community care to physical health, research and strategic projects.

For them, being involved is about having a voice and a space to share their experiences, as well as finding a sense of belonging through connecting with peers. A particular highlight has been the opportunity to bring their experiences as someone from the South Asian community into their work, as well as sharing their wellbeing art with others.

Being an Expert by Experience has also had a positive impact personally:

“It helps build my resilience, curiosity, self-esteem and confidence in challenging my fears or worries.”

They would particularly like to see more people from minoritised backgrounds getting involved and sharing their experiences.

And for anyone considering becoming an Expert by Experience, their message is:

“If you’re interested in helping to shape the present and future of others with the same or similar conditions, try a meeting. You will make a difference not only for others, but also to yourself. Don’t suffer in silence.”

After initially applying for a volunteer role, this panel member was introduced to involvement work and became an Expert by Experience in January 2026.

Since then, they have contributed to a range of projects, including work around Safe Haven, sharing their experiences of using the service and helping to explore how it could reach more people. They have also contributed to Lived Experience Panel discussions and projects covering topics including AI, Oxfordshire Mind’s elevator pitch and the Winter Appeal.

One of the things they have enjoyed most is meeting new people and stepping outside their comfort zone. A particular highlight was being involved in the Safe Haven work and meeting people with different perspectives, from those who have used services to staff, managers and other organisations.

For them, involvement is about knowing that their experiences matter:

“To know that my opinion is valued and that I’m helping to make a difference.”

Their own experience of living with poor mental health and complex needs gives them an important insight into the day-to-day realities people can face.

For anyone considering becoming an Expert by Experience, their advice is simple:

“Do it! You will gain so much insight about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and how valued you really are. It’s a real eye-opener.”

Above all, they say they have really enjoyed working alongside “some really wonderful, kind, lovely people.”