Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement

A PPG member since January 2016, I share my experience of high-level spinal injury and needing 24-hour care, and the benefits of personalisation. I like interviewing and do this to see the difference our interactions have on students during their course.

I’m professor of obesity at Leeds Beckett, and have lived experience of obesity, dementia and osteoarthritis. In 2020 I set up the Obesity Institute and Obesity Voices Hub, bringing together people with lived experience of obesity who provide the foundation to everything the Institute does - ensuring our work addresses real world priorities and makes a tangible difference to people's lives.

My name is Kris Southby and I'm a researcher in the Centre for Health Promotion Research in the School of Health. My research is about how community organisations support people's health and wellbeing, particularly the wellbeing of adults with learning disabilities. I have lived experience as a family member of someone with a learning disability.

Whilst part of the university I also have personal experience as a patient and carer. As the Chair of our working group, we are proud to bring together people with lived experience of health and social care. Their stories and experiences are invaluable in helping us shape our teaching methods and providing students with a deeper, more meaningful understanding of real experiences within health and social care.

Hi, I’m Phil Widger, I had tonsillar cancer about 15 years ago. Due to my dysphagia, I am now feed entirely via a stomach tube. I have been involved at Leeds Beckett for a few years now (ish!) I have been involved with IPL, admission applications introduction sessions, talks to classes of students and Q and A sessions with students. Speech and language plus the multi-disciplinary sessions such as IPL. I get involved because I think it's important that medical trainees receive additional insights from service users. I have experienced lots of excellent and not-so-excellent practice from health care professionals. I find it really interesting, and it also helps me to reflect on how I managed my health issues.

I am ex-Royal Navy, and I sustained injuries in the two wars/conflicts in which I served. I have considerable experience with both the Military and NHS hospitals and staff.

After living in Australia and returning to the UK, I entered higher education later in life, enrolling at Leeds Beckett University (LBU), and gaining my Master’s in Psychological Therapies.

As a part of the ‘Lived Experience’ team within LBU (previously Service Users), I have many roles that encourage students but also support lecturers.

Having studied at LBU and knowing what excellent teachings are delivered within the ‘school of health and social care’ I wanted to be a part of this team to help and encourage all the students that attend this magnificent university, and I am very proud to do so, as I have over several years.

I’m a Research Fellow in the Centre for Health Promotion Research. We understand that whatever aspect of health we are researching, the experts are the people with lived experience. Involving people with lived experience throughout the research process means that it will more relevant and hopefully make a difference. I particularly enjoy training people to become community researchers who then can reach other members of their community.

In 2005 aged forty-eight I was diagnosed with leukaemia and the next morning I had a dense stroke which took away the use of my right arm, impacted my right leg and I had no speech. After five months in hospital I was allowed home and me and Phil began what we knew would be a long and difficult process of rehabilitation.

My speech therapist suggested volunteering with SLT’s at LBU and over the past fifteen years we’ve participated in applicant interviews and much more including nurses, OT’s, dietitians etc.

Participation has helped me to feel valued and hopefully is of direct benefit to students.

My lived experience is having worked for the NHS for 42 years and also being a patient. During my time in the NHS, I have been involved in the recruitment & selection process, induction & training of staff, and supporting students whilst on placement.

I have been involved with LBU since 2014.

My involvement is interviewing candidates, supporting communication skills with students, mock interviews, facilitating IPL days, sharing knowledge & experience with students.

I am involved with MSc & BSc Dietetics, Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, District/Community/School Nursing, Occupational Therapy and IPL days.

I assist with recruiting people for careers in the NHS & Care system and to develop our future Healthcare professionals. I share my knowledge and experience of first-hand involvement working in the NHS and being a patient.

I gain satisfaction supporting LBU staff & students, by being involved in the various activities with students and their career development.

I'm 35, have 2 children, a parrot and 2 dogs. I work in children's services and mental health.

I was a looked after child and care leaver from ages 0-25.

I became involved with LBU when I was 16 years old. I've delivered my own personal training course, inspirational talks, been involved in the ABEL Group, interviewing processes and interpersonal workshops. I am regularly involved in service user participation and education.

I help to support students with their education. I have participated in research projects and have plenty of invaluable lived experience to offer.

I get involved as I am passionate about making positive changes to the education systems.

It's such a privilege to see the progression and developments of students from start to finish within their studies and to be part of their learning journey.