Methods for engaging people with lived experience

Lived experience refers to the unique, personal knowledge and understanding gained from having directly experienced something, as opposed to learning about it from books, media, or others. People with lived experience offer valuable perspectives and practical realities that may not be evident through traditional data analysis or research. Engaging people with lived experience can help identify gaps, unintended consequences, and areas for improvement in existing policies and plans.  Involving individuals with lived experience in planning and policy-making process can foster trust and engagement among those who will be affected and provides a wider range of voices and experiences, ensuring that policies are not narrowly focused on specific groups or perspectives.

The Community Empowerment Group have been exploring different methods of engaging people with lived experience, drawing on examples of existing practice in Aberdeen as well as approaches further a field. This is an area the group continues to be curious about to understand how we can effectively and continuously engage people with lived experience in our work to embed a culture of inclusion, offer training and support, ensure meaningful participation, and build trust and respect.

You can find out more about the methods we have reviewed so far here.