Table 7 Benefits of engagement with people with experience of mental health services
From: Priority setting in research: user led mental health research
Benefits to the research | Benefits to the person with a lived experience of mental ill health |
|---|---|
Anyone can experience mental ill health | Reduces the effects of stigma |
First-hand experience | Acknowledges individual experience |
Other life skills other than mental health experience | Self-development and education |
Acknowledges the lived experience whilst gaining access to the knowledge associated with that experience | Feel valued and able to contribute |
Services are more relevant and not wasted | Empowering and builds self esteem |
Make informed decisions for the future that will benefit all based on this type of direct input into research projects | Therapeutic for all participants |
People with lived experience have as much (if not more) insight into the problem / condition which may be overlooked by the academic | Knowledge development for all participants |
To better ensure that services meet needs | Addresses legal and political rights |