Summary of Post
The Post Holder will assist the training manager to continue to coordinate and further develop the Cheshire and Merseyside Lived Experience Network (LEN) for Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention into a Cheshire and Merseyside Lived Experience Network for the Mental Health Programme.
The project is commissioned by CHAMPS (Public Health Collaborative) through the Cheshire and Merseyside Mental Health programme to coordinate a Lived Experience Network (LEN) to embed co-production of the Mental Health Programme Actions, to act as a critical friend and ensure the approach is systematic across all activity.
Co-production by those with lived experience means delivering public services in an equal and reciprocal relationship between professionals and those impacted by policies, plans and services.
The lived experience perspective informs service design and can avoid commissioners continuing to invest in services that may not work. Those with a lived experience bring a unique perspective that can inform how services work effectively for those they are designed to help.
Duties
• Work with Training Manager and Commissioners to finalise project terms of reference for the development of the LEN from suicide and self-harm prevention to mental health programme work, review and update current processes to ensure they work for the development of the LEN, liaise with current members regarding the development of the LEN.
• Work with the Training Manager to determine what other lived experience groups are in existence and work to build relationships with them in order to increase feedback into agreed workstreams.
• Promote the LEN to the relevant services, explaining the purpose of the LEN and it’s aims and ambitions.
• Raise awareness of the opportunities offered by the LEN to community group meetings and to individuals and assist the Training Manager to recruit and enrol enthusiastic participants on to the LEN register(s) and administer relevant documentation required when recruiting participants.
• Facilitate regular Lived Experience focus group meetings across the region where appropriate (these will be dependent on the priorities agreed with the Cheshire and Merseyside Mental Health Programme) and write up feedback where appropriate.
• Assist the Training Manager to prepare regular reports on the network’s activity, issues raised, involvement with commissioners and strategy development, and what changes have been instigated in service delivery as a consequence of their involvement.
• Assist the Training Manager to enrol new LEN members onto relevant training programmes where appropriate.
• Assist the Training Manager to enrol LEN members onto relevant Mental Health Programme work/programmes.
• Relate empathetically by recognising, understanding, and acknowledging emotions and insights experienced by others.
• The post holder will treat participants with dignity and respect while staying within a professional framework and understanding professional boundaries.
• Use established processes and procedures to challenge and report dangerous, abusive, discriminatory, or exploitative behaviour and practice, bringing any such behaviour to the attention of Wirral Mind Management. Report all safeguarding issues to the Registered Manager.
• Respect and maintain the dignity and privacy of participants, protecting his/her confidentiality whilst clearly explaining policies regarding disclosure of information.
• Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern-day technology in an efficient way.
• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures and understand the mission of the organisation and the motives of this specific project.
• Maintain accurate, concise, and up to date records.
• Identify and respond appropriately to individuals in crisis situations in a timely manner, making use of all resources and assistance of senior staff.
• Ensure you look after your own wellbeing and mental health and seek supervision/debrief following difficult situations.
Person Specification
Essentials:
• Lived Experience
• A good general education to A-Level or equivalent, including English.
• Effective verbal or written communication skills.
• Confident speaker, able to deliver talks and facilitate focus groups.
• Office administrative experience.
• IT literate, experience of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Charity Log and email.
• Ability to work under own initiative and as a member of a team.
• Ability to organise own work and meet deadlines.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Full clean driving license and access to a vehicle.
Desirable:
• Experience of coordinating a project.
• NVQ administration qualification to level 3 or equivalent.
• Knowledge of mental health issues and the work of agencies involved in mental health.