Supported by the Lived Experience Network, this event, held on Thursday 7 November was a key opportunity for experts to connect, share achievements, celebrate the incredible work they’ve been doing over the past year and shape the future of care at Cygnet.
At Cygnet, experts by experience are individuals with personal insight into mental health challenges who use their knowledge to impact real change. They bring essential perspectives to the care environment, visiting sites on a local level, supporting service users, and gathering critical feedback.
Their role extends beyond local engagement; they also contribute strategically, working with leadership to ensure that decisions, practices, and care align closely with the needs of service users.
The day began with a focus on celebrating achievements over the past year. Together, the EbEs reviewed the progress they’ve made, from enhancing patient experience to refining their approach to care across multiple locations.
The morning was marked by an open conversation with Stephen Firn, Cygnet’s CEO for Health Care, who shared his thoughts on our mission and the value of the EbE programme within the organisation. He reinforced the shared commitment of the leadership and EbE teams to advance meaningful improvements in care.
Following this, attendees engaged in interactive workshops with Cygnet’s operations and nursing teams.
Raf Hamaizia is the Expert by Experience Lead at Cygnet. He explained: “All of our experts by experience have direct lived experience of using in-patient services, because this unique and invaluable lived experience is relevant, authentic and credible for the services we provide in our health care division.
“These sessions focused on practical improvements, particularly around enhancing meaningful activity within our services—a crucial component for patient engagement and recovery.
“These discussions allowed EbEs to share ideas and insights directly with those responsible for daily operations, fostering a collaborative approach to solution-building.”
After a morning of productive discussions, the afternoon brought everyone together for lunch and a team building exercise.
Raf added: “This light-hearted break offered a chance to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and build camaraderie outside of the structured sessions. With over 30 people in attendance, including Geoff Brennan, a board member of the Lived Experience Network, the event was a reminder of the strength and unity within this community.
“The away day was not only a celebration of how far we’ve come but also a powerful affirmation of the collective vision for the future. The energy and ideas generated during the day underscore our commitment to ensuring that the voices of lived experience remain central to the direction and impact of Cygnet’s work.
“As we look ahead, this event has reinforced the partnerships and shared goals that drive our efforts in making mental health care ever more responsive, inclusive, and effective.”
A spokesperson for the Lived Experience Network said: “It’s incredible to see how much the Expert by Experience Programme at Cygnet has grown. From the early days of training a small handful of EbEs in a modest room, to now filling the entire board room at Millbank, it’s been a journey to be proud of – and one that’s still continuing to grow.
“To all of our EbEs, thank you for making the day so special. Your hard work and passion are what make this programme thrive. Here’s to more growth, more fun, and more impactful change together!”
Expert by Experience Mia McGowan is a former patient of Cygnet Hospital Sheffield. She was on the acute ward for five months and now uses her experience to talk with current service users and share their feedback with senior staff so that necessary changes can be made to ensure the service provides the best care to those who need it. She said the EbE get together was “an amazing day”.
She added: “Hearing and seeing everyone’s incredible journeys through their own life to now work life and working in places where we were once at rock bottom and saw no way out is so inspirational.
“We have an incredible bunch of EbEs and we are still growing, well done everyone, keep up the great work everyone you are all doing amazing jobs and making such a big impact in the services.”