Lived Experiences

The MiMoS project is underpinned by the principles of engagement with experts by experience: people whose lived experience makes them experts on the issues we are exploring in the research.  Their input helps to keep the project grounded,  and refines the research activities so that they are more likely to be successful. For example, the lived experience experts have advised on how best to approach service users about participating in the study.

As we progress with the research, we consult with a number of lived experience experts, and they advise on aspects of the project. The lived experience advisory group (LEAG) “meets” two or three times a year to comment on questions that the research team wants advice on. Recently, we discussed a questionnaire, and some ideas that we had come across in research papers. The meetings are not big events. There might only be 4 or 5 people talking together via videoconference. Some LEAG members do not join in with meetings, but send in their contributions by email.

Sometimes people drop out for a while. We are completely comfortable with this- the Lived Experience Advisory Group is not a research group or  a support group- though we do aim to behave in a way that ensures people feel comfortable and supported.  LEAG members are paid for their contributions. 

If you think this is something you would be interested in, please email s.kendal@leeds.ac.uk. She is happy to have a chat  by email, over the phone or video.

The following is what one of LEAG members have to say about the MiMoS study.

With regards to the integration of people with lived experience in a study of this scale, the MiMoS project is aiming high. In addition to the Lived Experience Group, the study has survivor-professionals such as myself on the steering group, helping to shape each stage of the study. MiMoS has also adopted the Survivor’s Voices Charter which sets standards for involving survivors of violence and abuse in research. As a co-author of the Charter,  I am excited to see the Charter implemented, tested and evaluated through MiMoS. The nuanced understanding that survivors bring to research is essential to eliciting data effectively and achieving analysis and application that is rooted in the real world. I am excited to be able to contribute in this way both as a professional and a survivor of childhood abuse.” Concetta Perot-Independent Researcher & Psychotherapist, Hon. Research Associate King’s College London & University of Bristol.

here is a video of Sarah and Liz reflecting on how we engaged people with lived experience of sexual violence