EPUT's Buddy Scheme encourages healthcare students to learn from people with lived experience

Volunteers provide incredible support for patients and staff at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). From supporting the trust to deliver vaccinations, to providing training for staff – there are so many ways volunteers contribute to great care.

One example of how EPUT works with volunteers to improve care is through the trust’s Buddy Scheme, which was recently featured at the national Chief Allied Health Professions Officer conference.

The scheme allows students in NHS mental health services to have one to one conversations with people with mental health conditions, service users, and carers to learn about their experiences, and to ask questions.

The volunteers may discuss topics such as how their condition affects their relationships, stigma in the media and society, their experience of accessing support, where staff have provided good care, or occasions where this could have been improved.

Carolyn Pardey joined the Buddy Scheme as a volunteer just under a year ago, sharing her experiences as a service user. Carolyn was one of the presenters of the scheme at the national Chief Allied Health Professions Officer conference. Reflecting on how the presentation was received, Carolyn said: “We presented to an audience of allied health professionals from all over the UK, as well as many different NHS directors, and staff from NHS England.

“It was really well received, with attendees applauding the co-production nature of the scheme and how important it is to have lived experience shaping the education of our health professionals of the future. We had many enquiries from people wanting to set up the scheme in their areas.”

Carolyn is a retired occupational therapist, and her experience in training students during her career drove her interest in volunteering. She said: “When I saw the scheme, I realised I could still be involved in education but as a service user – teaching students what it is like to walk in my shoes.

“I give examples of things that have happened to me, so they can understand in greater depth the situations. Sometimes, you can see the penny drop. For example, understanding why someone properly listening to you is so important.

“Hopefully it will make them more insightful and understanding. I think it will make them more person centred, and less fearful: some students may not know very much about mental health – they may have had training, but not experience, and that lack of experience has led to fear. Then, they realise people with mental health issues are ordinary people, just like you and me. I think it will help them relate, which is half the battle.

“The students I have worked with said they’ve learnt more in the morning session than in a month of lectures!

“It is also a two way benefit. It educates the student, and it benefits the buddy. You get the satisfaction of seeing someone learning. It gives you self-esteem, a role, and purpose. When you are struggling with your mental health, those things can be hard to find. And there is also a social element, as you make friends with the other buddies and we have a laugh.”

Annelies Pratt has been involved in the scheme for eight years, sharing her experiences as a carer. She said: “When someone with a mental health issue becomes unwell, it’s something the whole family has to deal with. I was motivated by trying to spread the word about the situation of carers.”

Annelies was a carer for six years before being offered support. She said: “Finally, a care coordinator asked me “is there anything I can do for you?” It was the first time someone had offered anything. They provided a course for carers which had a lasting impact.”

“As a volunteer I get satisfaction from students completing the scheme with more knowledge. In their career, they may spot a carer and ask if there is someone also looking after them, or how they are.”

“Students write in their evaluation that they have benefitted so much from the scheme. Learning from people’s lived experiences, rather than a book, makes it much more personal.

“There are so many reasons why it is a brilliant scheme. I can’t praise the team who organise it enough – they are brilliant. There is never pressure as a volunteer. I would encourage anyone thinking about it to get involved.”

To get involved in the trust’s Buddy Scheme, visit https://eput.nhs.uk/get-involved/buddy-scheme/