This page is dedicated to those who are providing their lived experience to hopefully support others - you are not alone
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Lived Experience Network (LENS)
LENS is a peer-led network made up of people with direct lived experience of mental health services, including inpatient care, crisis support, and community treatment. Their mission is simple: no one should have to navigate the mental health system alone. Through shared experience, connection, and mutual support, LENS members offer something that no professional training can replicate - the understanding that comes from having been there. The network provides peer-to-peer support, advocacy, and a safe space for people to share their stories and find their voice. ESCS is proud to share the work of LENS and committed to actively engaging with the network as part of our wider social value and patient-centred care commitments. [LENS NETWORK] www.lens-network.com |
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Rebecca House
Founder & Director of S.I.S - Strength In Struggles CIC and Speaker & Advocate for Mental Health and Author of 'Police to Paranoia' Retired Police Officer. With over two decades in law enforcement and recent experience supporting victims of crime and terrorism, Rebecca's journey has been dedicated to public service and advocating for mental health. At Victim Support, her role as a Multi Crime/Terrorist Caseworker equipped her with the skills to handle sensitive cases with compassion and professionalism. Rebecca's transition from serving as an officer to now empowering others through peer-to-peer support groups reflects her lifelong commitment to resilience and recovery. The positive impact of her book "Police to Paranoia" inspires her ongoing guest speaking engagements, where sharing her unique perspective contributes to a broader understanding of mental health challenges within high-stress professions. |
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Gina Atkinson
Gina is an unstoppable force for good. Through her passion for sports, adventure and helping others she won Inspiration of the Year 2022 – Soldiering on Awards and Volunteer of the Year 2023. As well as volunteering for so many charities and organisations she is also an Ambassador for Purple Warriors, Woodys Lodge, The V word and Crawl 4 help. The below is the tip of the iceberg for Gina’s incredible life. |
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David Breakspear
Session title: ‘Behind these walls’ David spent four decades trapped in the revolving doors of crisis and crime. He entered the school to prison pipeline aged 14, and in June 2017, he was released from his ninth and final custodial sentence. Since then, he has been using his lived experience to influence much needed change. David is a lived experience team member at the charity Revolving Doors, and at the Samaritans, he is also a lived experience influencer at the National Suicide Prevention Alliance. Alongside those roles, David is an ambassador for 5asideCHESS, ADHD Liberty and Awaken Genius. In November last year, he was presented with a St Martin's Challenge Award for his work with Revolving Doors. |