What is the challenge your project is going to address and how does it connect to your chosen theme?

In 2014, AQuA formed an advisory panel of lived experience experts (Lived Experience Panel/LEP) to challenge how strategically and operationally person-centered we were as a Quality Improvement organisation, and to provide insights into how we can ensure co-design & co-production in all we do. 4 areas of work emerged:

1) Measurement using an adapted Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation to assess programmes.

2) Capability building: LEP members are trained in QI to enable them to co-design & co-produce initiatives. In return, they teach AQuA staff about co-production and support embedding lived experience in our work.

3) Co-design & co-production of programmes, e.g. Patient Experience Network and Shared Decision Making.

4) Facilitating members to develop Lived Experience Panels.  AQuA LEPs mentor local LEPs to develop and embed principles of co-production & co-design.

In 2019 we will establish several LEPs and train approx. 40 people with lived experience from 3 members in QI methods.

What does your project aim to achieve?

We aim to support the development of a lived experience peer network across Greater Manchester. The network will be open to all lived experience individuals trained by AQuA in QI and will support opportunities to develop skills, mentor and share learning across the footprint. seek opportunities to engage in AQuA’s programmes.  In the first year the network will be developed by 2 LEP members utilising QI methodology.  Based on the learning from the GM peer network we will look to spread across the rest of the NW.

The aim of the network is to build the QI capability of people with lived experience and sustain their involvement locally, both in GM and potentially across the NW and beyond. The network will include people with lived experience from across provider and commissioning organisations in health and social care.