Removing Barriers to the Power of Lived Experience

In my work advocating for refugees and asylum seekers, I've seen first-hand how powerful lived experience can be in shaping effective policies and practices. However, harnessing this power requires us to address and dismantle the many barriers that prevent those with lived experience from being heard and valued. In this blog, I share insights from my personal journey and professional experience on how we can break down these barriers and fully embrace the contributions of those with lived experience. My Journey My path into this field is informed not just by my academic and professional background, but also by my personal experiences navigating the asylum process. This dual perspective has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of integrating lived experience into our work. Lived experience is not just anecdotal; it is a critical source of knowledge that brings depth and authenticity to our understanding of complex issues. Understanding the Barriers Despite the clear value of lived experience, significant barriers often prevent it from being fully utilised. These barriers can be broadly categorised into structural, attitudinal, and practical challenges. Structural Barriers: Many organisations have rigid structures that do not accommodate the inclusion of lived experience. Hierarchical decision-making processes, limited representation in leadership roles, and a lack of opportunities for individuals with lived experience to contribute to strategic planning and policy development are common issues. Attitudinal Barriers: There is often an underlying scepticism or devaluation of knowledge derived from lived experience. Professional expertise is sometimes viewed as superior, leading to a lack of respect and recognition for those who bring experiential knowledge to the table. Practical Barriers: Practical challenges such as lack of funding, resources, and support can hinder the participation of individuals with lived experience. Language barriers, lack of access to education or training, and financial instability can all prevent meaningful engagement in advocacy work. Removing the Barriers To fully harness the power of lived experience, we must actively work to dismantle these barriers. Here are some steps we can take: Creating Inclusive Structures: Organisations must develop inclusive structures that enable meaningful participation from individuals with lived experience. This includes forming advisory boards, ensuring diverse representation in leadership roles, and incorporating lived experience into strategic planning and decision-making processes. Shifting Attitudes: We must work to shift attitudes within organisations and the broader community to value and respect the knowledge that comes from lived experience. This involves training and awareness programmes, promoting stories of lived experience in public forums, and recognising the unique contributions that experiential knowledge can bring. Providing Practical Support: Practical support is essential to enable individuals with lived experience to participate fully. This includes providing financial compensation, access to education and training, language support, and other resources that can help individuals overcome practical barriers to participation. The Impact When these barriers are removed, the impact is profound. Policies and practices become more effective and responsive to the needs of those they are designed to serve. The voices of individuals with lived experience bring authenticity and credibility, fostering greater trust and engagement within communities. Embracing lived experience can lead to more innovative and holistic approaches to problem-solving, as it integrates diverse perspectives and insights. In my own work, I have seen how the inclusion of lived experience has transformed our approach to advocacy and support for asylum seekers and refugees. By valuing and prioritising these voices, we have developed more compassionate, informed, and effective solutions. This approach not only benefits those we serve but also enriches our own understanding and capabilities as advocates and professionals. Conclusion Removing barriers to the power of lived experience is not just a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative for creating more effective and responsive systems. By addressing structural, attitudinal, and practical barriers, we can unlock the full potential of lived experience and build a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society. As someone who has navigated these challenges both personally and professionally, I am committed to continuing this work and advocating for the recognition and integration of lived experience in all areas of our work.