Debbie’s Story
I first became involved with NSFT Children, Families and Young People’s Services when my daughter needed support with her mental health. As a parent, I didn’t feel as involved as I could have been and would’ve liked some things done differently.At the time, there wasn’t a participation team to contact. If there had of been, I would have wanted more information so I could get involved and have my voice heard.
Several years later, when I was accessing services, my mental health worker told me about an opportunity to participate by sitting on NSFT interview panels; this allows people using services to help choose future staff members. I liked this idea and was keen to pursue it further. My support worker passed my details on, and the participation team got in touch with me. I was a bit worried, but I needn’t have been, as I was given training by NSFT staff who put me at ease and made it easy to understand. Afterwards, I was excited to get going! I still look forward to sitting on interview panels as it makes me feel valued.
Through this work, I found out about other participation opportunities, in particular working with Children, Families and Young People’s People Participation Coordinator, Andrea. I met Andrea at a participation event. She took my details and emailed me to arrange a first meeting. In a very short space of time, we met in a community setting where I felt at ease. Over the course of a few meetings, Andrea made me feel comfortable and settled and I was able to give my thoughts and views. The lived experience element of her role really helped as she seemed to understand my experiences. Since meeting up, I’ve given feedback for lots of projects including wording of letters, website development ideas and have even chosen the colour of a reception area! We meet regularly, in a location of my choice for roughly an hour. Andrea is always flexible on dates, times, and meeting spaces. She also checks I feel comfortable each time.
I’ve been participating for several years now and in that time, I’ve been able to see the benefits of participation as both a parent/carer and using services myself. These include:
- Feeling I haven’t failed as a parent – I’ve passed my knowledge and experience on
- My self-esteem has raised - as a family we’ve come out the other side
- Knowing I can help and play a part in change
- I feel heard
- I’ve seen things change for the better
If you’re thinking about getting involved with participation, I’d say to go ahead and make contact, you really won’t regret it!
