The group is a virtual place where participants can experience a sense of belonging and community and have their voices heard in a safe space. These groups hold space for discussion and feedback on services, policies, quality improvement projects and strategy. The group will also explore what works well, and what doesn’t and what can be done to make things better.
The Working Together Group welcomes those who:
-
Have experience of inpatient care through the Kent and Sussex Adult Eating Disorder Provider Collaborative as a service user or carer.
-
Are staff members who work for the Provider Collaborative and partner services and organisations.
-
Have an interest in adult inpatient eating disorder mental health services through other relevant lived experience such as being a service user of either one of the partner community teams, Sussex Eating Disorder Services (SEDS) or Kent and Medway All-Age Eating Disorder Service (AADS).
The Working Together Group is co-chaired by Lara Tozer, the Participation Lead for the Kent and Sussex Adult Eating Disorders Provider Collaborative and Kayleigh, an Expert by Experience (EbE).
Kayleigh describes her role as co-chair:
"Hi. My name is Kayleigh and I am an EbE (Expert by Experience) as well as a service user of the adult eating disorder service. I was a service user over 10 years ago and then engaged with services again 4 years ago, both in the community and as an inpatient. This was one of the reasons I was excited to take on the role of an EbE, because I have seen the change to services over time and I wanted to be involved in future changes, using both my positive and negative experiences to help others.
My EbE role has enabled me to take part in focus groups to support future projects, such as creating an inpatient welcome booklet, supporting the Inpatient Transition Pathway (ITP) project and creating a unit checklist for their welcome packs. I feel truly valued for my opinions, experiences and ideas. It is such a comfort to know that change is happening, and I feel it is a privilege to be a part of teams that are committed to change.
I have been lucky to be an EbE at this time when the new Working Together Group is being established and I have enjoyed getting involved. These meetings provide a ‘safe space’ and supportive environment where we feel our voices are heard, as well as being a forum to feel encouraged by other service users and carers. After attending the initial setup meetings, I was appointed as Chair, alongside Lara Tozer, and we work together to plan and run these group sessions. They are well-attended, productive sessions where we can also help review current service priorities and address key issues. You can find the agendas (as well as useful links) on our Padlet, so I would encourage anyone who is interested to pop along to one of our online meetings and enjoy the warmth and support of other eating disorder service users and carers.”
Sophie is a member of the Working Group and has been involved in the co-production of the Padlet:
“Hi, my name is Sophie, and I am a current EbE as well as a service user. I have had various treatments across both child and adult services over the past decade, and only recently discovered the role of an EbE. Being able to utilise my experience within services, including those that have worked well and those that have not, to help create change and support the development of new resources and projects has been an empowering experience for which I am grateful.
My role as an Ebe has allowed me to develop new skills in communication and confidence in sharing my own experiences and ideas. I have been involved in the development of the new working together group Padlet, as well as supporting the creation of a new welcome pack and checklist for inpatient units and a patient communication passport for those under general care. Being able to see changes happening within the services gives me hope for those who are currently reaching out for support and has given me an invaluable insight into all the small steps and tweaks that go into the creation of any new project or development. It has also given me to opportunity to sit in on an interview and provide feedback on potential funding applications, showing the valued views of those with experience within decisions.
I have been lucky enough to be able to attend the new working together group and have seen it begin to take shape as a safe, inviting environment where everyone's views and opinions are valued. I can only see potential within this group and am excited to see the ideas that come from the monthly meetings and how the group grows in the future."
If you are a member of staff and have a policy, leaflet, guidance or service improvement idea and would like service user feedback and input, or are a service user who is interested in joining the Working Together Group please email Lara.
For more information about the Working Together Group, visit the Adult Eating Disorder Provider Collaborative Padlet for more information
