Our Life Experience Council
Learn about what the council is, what it does, and how you can join in.
What is the Life Experience Council?
Waythrough is a national charity specialising in free confidential support for mental health, alcohol, drugs, and related areas in friendly local places.
Like most charities, the organisation is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by an Executive Group of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Directors.
The Life Experience Council adds a third group to this partnership, a ‘council’ of people who have personally experienced challenges with mental health, alcohol, drugs, and related challenges.
“[The Life Experience Council gave] me a sense of purpose, enjoyment and direction, engaging with so many all over the country… and help[ed] me gain the confidence to bring my ideas, be heard and influence change.”
Who can be a Life Experience Council Member?
Anyone who has had support from a Waythrough service in the last 12 months. You might still be accessing support, or you might have left within the last year.
What can I be involved in?
- Participating in online Life Experience Council meetings (via Teams)
- Sharing your experiences and opinions of our services
- Gathering views from your peers/people your local service supports and representing those views in conversations with Waythrough’s leaders.
What support will I get
- Help with technology and using Teams, if you need it. Support to work through any practical difficulties and to build your confidence.
- You will be able to claim an ‘involvement fee’ for your input (further details will be provided), and where relevant, travel arrangements/expenses will be covered.
- Peer support from other Council members.
- Tools, tips and training to help you develop new skills and get the best from conversations.
- Life Experience Council workers will work with your support worker to make sure it’s supporting your wider wellbeing and other life goals.
How do I join?
Merry Springate supports the Life Experience Council. You or your worker can contact her: merry.springate@waythrough.org.uk
07974 881633.
There’s no interview or formal process, just a conversation! Merry can answer any questions and provide you with further details about the meetings.
