A Proven Model for Change: How Lived Experience Groups Show What’s Possible When Lived Experience Leads

We believe meaningful change happens when lived experience is embedded at the heart of decision making. That is why we host the West Sussex Lived Experience Advisory Group (WSX LEAG); a dedicated, independent network of people with lived or living mental health experience.  
  
Why Lived Experience Advisory Groups Matter  
Many organisations are expected to involve people with lived experience, but knowing how to do this well is key. Consultation alone is rarely enough. Without clear structure, support and purpose, lived experience involvement can become inconsistent, tokenistic or difficult to sustain.  
 
A Lived Experience Advisory Group, or LEAG, offers a practical solution. It provides a trusted space where lived experience is valued as expertise, informs decisions early, and influences services in meaningful ways. For organisations, a LEAG strengthens decision-making, improves service design and builds credibility with the communities they serve.  
 
LEAG creates the conditions for genuine co-production, supporting organisations to move beyond listening, and into working alongside people as equal partners.  
This is not just a principle. It is a proven, adaptable model that shows what is possible when lived experience leads.  
  
A Proven Model That Works  
LEAG acts as a bridge between service users, providers and decision makers to co-produce services that better reflect real needs. As part of the wider Sussex network, groups from Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex come together under SCALE (Sussex Co-production and Lived Experience network) to share learning and maximise impact.  
This structure shows what is possible when lived experience is not an optional extra, but a core part of how services are designed and improved.  
  
Real Impact and Real Results  
In 2024 to 2025 alone, West Sussex LEAG members contributed more than 800 lived experience hours and attended 169 meetings. The group has influenced service development, commissioning processes, workforce systems, and language used across the mental health system.  
 
All of this has been achieved through a supported, volunteer led model that values expertise gained through lived experience.  
 
Throughout the first chapter, the West Sussex LEAG team has made a real difference. Here are just some highlights:  

• Co-production and delivery of training for new LEAG members.  

• Input into the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system to ensure lived experience perspectives are built in.  

• Ongoing advisory work with Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams (NMHTs) development.  

• Established, delivered and evaluated a peer-led trauma group for the LEAG.  

• Played a part in the West Sussex Mental Health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.  

• Influenced the MHSS tender principles, specification and evaluation.  

• Created the Change the Language project and guide, two years of work now being adopted across the system.  

• Facilitated monthly Co-production Discussion Forums, attracting 10 to 20 people each.  
   
  These achievements reflect the incredible impact recognised through newly renewed contract, a testament to the voices, insight and hard work of our members.   
  For organisations considering how to embed lived experience meaningfully, this shows what becomes possible when the right foundations are in place.  
    
  Why This Matters for Organisations  
  LEAG demonstrates a clear, practical way for organisations to embed co-production and lived experience leadership. Having your own LEAG can help to:  

• Improve service design and decision making  

• Strengthen trust, credibility and accountability  

• Meet co-production and engagement requirements meaningfully  

• Create more inclusive, responsive and effective services  
   
  This approach can be adapted for charities, public services, partnerships and other organisations who want to move beyond consultation and into genuine collaboration.  
    
  Organisations interested in learning more about the LEAG model or exploring how a similar approach could work for you, please do get in touch.  

  
  Email: info@capitalimpactsolutions.co.uk
  Visit the West Sussex LEAG page: www.capitalcharity.org/leag
   
  Your lived experience is powerful. With the right structure and support, it can shape better services, stronger communities and lasting change.