Lived Experiences - HerStory
At Motherwell Cheshire are aim is to always be offering the services that our community require and therefore we need to be continually gaining feedback on our services. This is why the SWEET (Shared With Existing Experiences Together – (Lived Experience Group) was developed.
The purpose / role of the group is for the people who use our services to play an active role in shaping our current and future services at Motherwell Cheshire CIO. Working together in this way helps to improve communication between staff, volunteers, and service users.
The aims / responsibilities of the group are to meet regularly with facilitators and group members to:
discuss services they have accessed
use their experience and share their views/opinions on new projects/procedures.
be respectful at all times of others’ opinions
be mindful of confidentiality
be part of groups agreement to create safe space for sharing information
Would you be interested in getting involved?
Why should you get involved?
Hear from some of our Group Members
Name: Freya O’Brien
Interesting fact about yourself: I’ve been given the chance to take part in a calendar girls style charity calendar, and I’m online as part of an NHS campaign.
Why you are part of our lived experience panel: I have M.E. and kids with SEN. There are frequent days I can’t leave the house. The panel is a great way to mix with others and to feel that I can still be useful.
Name: Nichola McAll
Interesting fact about yourself: I worked the Lord of the rings: return of the King premier in New Zealand.
Why you are part of our lived experience panel: I have lived through and experienced a variety of things that have shaped me into the person I am today. It’s not easy experiencing traumas and still trying to live up to what society tells women what to be. I want others to feel they have a voice and the power to ask for help and support. Through the group I can ensure I support this amazing charity to continue doing all the good they do.
Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself: I am a mother to two children, a daughter and a son. They too have experienced some life traumas and have additional needs. I want them to feel supported and listened to which is why I work with another charity supporting carers and their loved ones. I also have 4 cats who are all rescues and I help another charity out who rehome dogs. Charities are priceless and deserve more funding and recognition for what they do.
Name: Charlotte Lewis
Interesting fact about yourself: I’m one of the new shared experience panel members this year. I used to volunteer at Motherwell, in fact I was on the team for just over a year. I currently work at Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust.
Why you are part of our lived experience panel:
I have my own experiences of things that impact people in our community, including living with a few complex learning difficulties such as Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome and mental health challenges.
Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself:
My main passion is creativity, making/creating videos for my YouTube and being present across social medias. I also attend Autism Inclusive every week for Gaming and Crafts on Mondays and Thursdays which I really enjoy! In my own time, I like to get out and about travelling on Buses and Trains to explore different places with my Boyfriend. I find getting out and about clears my mind and helps me to enjoy myself and see the world like everyone else!
Name: Sheila Roberts de Manzano
Interesting fact about yourself:
Living and working with purpose has always been important to me, guiding both my personal and professional life. Alongside my career in marketing and communications, I volunteer to support charities and help individuals find their voice in our community. I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with NGOs, including a refuge in Nepal that aids women recovering from trafficking, setting up a small island community centre in the Philippines, and teaching English to a Buddhist monk in exile from Tibet.
Why you are part of our lived experience panel:
In recent years, I’ve struggled with my mental health, especially after losing a business due to the pandemic. I know that recovery can be a long and difficult journey, but I hold onto a mantra that keeps me strong, inspired by the words of Bob Marley: “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing is gonna be alright.
Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself:
Closer to home, I’ve spent time with the Talking Newspaper and other local charities, and I’m currently mentoring care-experienced young people. Volunteering has been incredibly rewarding, and I encourage everyone to consider sharing their time or skills.
Life at home is just as busy with two kids, a grumpy cat, and a fast-paced job in public relations. Recently, I started running, which helps me clear my mind from the chaos of the day and the pressures we all face. I enjoy walking in nature, whatever the weather.
I love to travel and have been fortunate to explore over 100 countries, living and working in India, the Philippines, Guatemala, and Venezuela. Experiencing different cultures and communities has profoundly shaped my desire to live with purpose.
Name: Nicola Cooper
Tell us about yourself:
Hi, my name is Nic and I’m a 38 mother of a 12 year old boy, Max. I have suffered with my mental health all of my life, but more so after I had Max. I developed OCD about stomach bug germs after 2 yo Max brought one home from nursery and it took me 2 years to recover as I have Crohn’s disease. I have since also been diagnosed with EUPD and Bipolar so there’s been a rough few years.
Why you are part of our lived experience panel:
Thankfully with counselling via Motherwell and medication I am in a good place at the moment. I have a good support system of family and friends around me which I find vital to maintaining my mental health stability.
Name: Carley Smith
Tell us about yourself:
Hi, I’m Carley
I’m 40-year-old Mum three and I also have legal guardianship of my 3 year old grandson, I work full-time for a local GP practice so as you can imagine, life is pretty hectic but I like to keep busy.
I’m proud to say I’ve dedicated the last 16 years of my career to the NHS it’s my passion and I enjoy that everyday is different.
Why you are part of our lived experience panel:
I’m excited to be working with the team at Motherwell and I have seen what a difference they’re making in the local community and I’m keen to have some input to help improve the service going forward.