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Text:Lived experience in education. Picture of holding hands

The Lived Experience in Education Team (LEIE) make sure that every part of education and training at EPUT is created together with our experts by experience.

Lived Experience Education Ambassador

Lived Experience Education Ambassadors are volunteers who have personal experience as service users or caregivers. They help our staff, students, and apprentices learn and grow by sharing their stories about using health and social care services.

They support us in

  • co-producing and delivering training sessions.
  • making educational videos. 
  • being an advocate for lived experience in education meetings and events
  • supporting new Education Ambassadors.

You can apply for the position of Lived Experience Education Ambassador here: eput.nhs.uk.

Read more about the Lived Experience Education Ambassador role and to apply.

Buddy Scheme

The Buddy Scheme works with with local universities to give mental health nursing and allied health professional students the chance to learn about mental health.

By talking with people with lived experience helps students learn important skills to provide caring services that are less stigmatised in the future.

Read more about the Buddy Scheme role and to apply.

Reflective Practice Partner Programme

This programme shares personal experiences of living with mental illness from patients, caregivers, friends, or family members.

The programme supports our newly qualified staff reflect on their experiences and build empathy and understanding. It offers support in a friendly and informal way, which helps them grow in their professional skills.

What our Ambassadors and students have told us

"I really like and enjoy taking part in the Buddy Scheme, it boosts my confidence and I feel safe and happy being a member of the Buddy Scheme". Buddy Scheme volunteer.

“The satisfaction of seeing someone learning raises your self-esteem, with a role and purpose when you’re struggling with your lived experience”. Buddy Scheme volunteer.

​“Thank you for supporting us on our journey, it has been an honour”. Buddy Scheme student.

How can I get involved?

To sign up or find out more, email the Lived Experience in Education Team epunft.livedexperience.education@nhs.net

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