Lived Experience Leader (Freelance)

Have you experienced poor mental health?

Are you passionate about improving mental health support locally?

If so, you could be one of our Lived Experience Leaders

 

We are looking for people from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) who have experience of poor mental health, either directly or indirectly, to join our Lived Experience Leadership panel. This is a paid opportunity.

The panel acts as a steering group, guiding the development of LLR Mind, ensuring that lived experience of mental health and inclusivity are embedded throughout our operations, and our services meet the needs of our local communities. It acts as an operational board, sitting underneath the Board of Trustees, and have a central role in all operational aspects, including setting the vision and values, developing policies, and designing and reviewing services.

We value the power of diversity and seeking to recruit people from all sections of the community who represent the variety of the LLR region. We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is valued for being authentic and able to bring their whole selves to work regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience. Due to gaps on our current panel, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from:

  • People aged 30-50 or over 60,
  • People from Asian backgrounds present in LLR, and
  • People who identify as male.

Please Note: This opportunity is available to individuals aged 16 and over.

About the role

JOB TITLE                 Lived Experience Leader

REMUNERATION      £35 per meeting attended (plus reasonable out of pocket expenses)

HOURS                      2-hour monthly meetings, currently held on Thursday evenings, plus preparation time. 

CONTRACT               Freelance

LOCATION                The Grove Community Hub, Cort Crescent, Braunstone, LE3 1QZ.

 

Key responsibilities:

  • Review papers in preparation for meetings
  • Attend meetings 
  • Share your views, perspectives, and insights
  • Influence policy and practice across LLR Mind

 

Skills/Experience required to do the role:

  • Direct or indirect personal experience of poor mental health*
  • Strong, independent judgement
  • Ability to work effective as part of a team
  • Able to represent the wider views, needs, and experiences of local communities
  • Good English language skills (the ability to speak other languages used in LLR is also desirable.
  • Listening to, discussing, and respecting differing opinions
  • Self-motivation and ability to work independently

*We are specifically looking for people who have either experienced poor mental health themselves (direct) or have supported someone with poor mental health in a personal capacity (indirect), such as a spouse, family member, or friend. This does not include experience gained as a mental health professional.

 

What we can offer you:

Lived Experience Leaders will have access to the following benefits:

  • Payment for your time
  • Reimbursement of reasonable out of pocket expenses
  • A dedicated contact to support you before, during, and after meetings
  • Access to various training opportunities

 

More Information

For more information, please see the Role Description. 

If you have any questions, or would like any further information, please email [email protected] or call 0116 216 4340.

The recruitment process:

There is a simple application form to be completed. We are also open to receiving applications in other formats (e.g. via video). Please contact us at [email protected] if this is something you are interested in.

All applications must be received by 9am on Monday 13th January 2025. The application window will not close early so all applications received by this time will be considered.

The applications will be independently shortlisted by at least two people. Your answers will be scored based on how well they demonstrate that you meet the person specification and those with the highest scores overall will be shortlisted.

Informal interviews will be conducted with those shortlisted on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd January 2025. You will have the choice of completing your interview either online or in person at The Grove Community Hub (TBC). You will also be given the questions in advance, so you have time to prepare.

Successful candidates will be informed via phone and invited to join the next meeting of the panel.

Everyone who applies for the role will be informed of the outcome of their application and offered feedback, regardless of how far through the process you progress.

 

Ready to apply?

If you wish to apply, please complete the Application and Equal Opportunities forms. A paper copy of these forms can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or calling 0116 216 4340.

Once completed, please email your application to [email protected].

 

Closing date: 9am – Monday 13th January 2025

Interviews: Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd January 2025 (TBC)

 

Files

Role Description – Lived Experience Leader (LLR Mind)

Application Form – Application Form (LE Leader)

Equal Opportunities Monitoring form – Equality & Diversity Monitoring