Island Mental Health Services Highlight The Power Of Lived Experience

Mental health staff on the Isle of Wight are highlighting how personal experiences of mental illness and recovery can help shape services and support others.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is marking World Mental Health Day on Saturday (October 10) under this year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.

The Trust says people with lived experience, carers and communities are helping influence the design of mental health services through its SHARE Co-production principles.

Jacqui Towle, a peer support worker in the Island’s Community Mental Health Team, draws on her own experiences to help others through recovery.

She said:

“Having lived experience of mental health challenges allows me to bring understanding, empathy, and hope to the people I support.

"I know first-hand the difference it can make when someone believes in you, especially during times when hope feels difficult to find.”

Jacqui said peer support focuses on seeing the person rather than their diagnosis, listening without judgement and helping people recognise their strengths.

She added that seeing people rediscover hope, build confidence and find a renewed sense of purpose was the most rewarding part of her role.

Anyone struggling with their mental health can find information about local and national support through the Trust’s Help in a Crisis service.