Jeanette reflects on being part of Voices for a Better Future. She talks about speaking up, sharing experiences and helping to improve services for others.
Being part of a lived experience voice group is important to me as someone who is care experienced because it means people like me finally have a say in decisions that affect our lives. Too often, decisions are made about care experienced people without actually listening to us. The group creates a space where our voices are heard, respected, and taken seriously. It also helps build a sense of belonging, knowing I’m not alone and that others understand my experiences.
Being part of the group has made me feel more confident in speaking up and sharing my experiences. It’s helped me see that what I’ve been through can be used in a positive way to help improve things for others. I feel more empowered and valued, rather than just being seen as my past. It’s also helped me connect with others who are care experienced, which has reduced feelings of isolation and helped me grow personally.
People who are care experienced understand what it’s really like to go through the system, so they can give honest and practical feedback. We can point out what actually works and what doesn’t, and suggest changes that would make a real difference. By being involved, we can help make services more supportive, understanding, and focused on the needs of the individual. Our experiences can help professionals see things from a different perspective and improve how they support others in care.
Jeanette shares a photo: ‘A special place to me: I love the sea and sunsets.’
