GMMH's Non-Custodial and Community Health and Justice Services awarded GOLD status by Lived Experience Charter
GMMH's Non-Custodial and Community Health and Justice Services have been awarded GOLD status for the work they have completed to support the open and inclusive recruitment and retention of people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
The Lived Experience Charter is led by Career Matters and commissioned by NHS England Health & Justice and is awarded to organisations based on their quality standards, best practices, and commitment to improving inclusive recruitment and retention.
To achieve this coveted GOLD status, our services submitted evidence that:
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Demonstrated implementation of the Lived Experience; Charter Values, Standards and Practices
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Demonstrated their commitment to employing people with lived experience
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Provided opportunities for people with lived experience
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Increased job roles for people with lived experience
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Put systems in place to welcome, value, nurture and support specialised lived experience in our teams
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Provided and embedded development opportunities for people using our services
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Created and embedded leadership roles for experts by experience to influence change and culture
On receiving Gold Status, colleagues, volunteers and service users at GMMH, as well Career Matters and NHS England shared their thoughts and feedback on the award.
Hannah Kirkbride, Director, Career Matters said:
“The Lived Experience Charter was co-designed with people with lived experience. The project has supported seventy-five organisations to review their policies, practices and environment to better support the inclusive recruitment of people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and/or the care system. It has been an incredible process that has increased job opportunities, influenced policy change and brought awareness of the barriers these communities face.”
Sameer Iqbal, National Health & Justice & Lived Experience Charter Lead, Career Matters said:
“Congratulations to all participants in this project. It has been a privilege to work with the services who showed courage, inclusiveness and dedication in making their workforce more equitable by employing people with lived experience. The have also demonstrated commitment in refining and adapting policies to be a more inclusive employer. I am looking forward to continuing working with these services as they become a part our community of practice which will now consist of Seventy-Five services to date. I am proud of you all and congratulations on your awards”.
One of our Service Users said:
“I feel for the first time my lived experience is acknowledged in a positive light. What I say is valued and listened too, and this award represents the wonderful and amazing people who have lived experience themselves in the team”.
Kieran, Peer Mentor Volunteer said:
“It’s a privilege to be a part of a wonderful team. This award is an honour to touch other people’s lives and to us to be recognised for it the hard work we do.”
Matthew, Peer Mentor Volunteer said:
“It’s fantastic news that we have won gold award for Greater Manchester community health and justice services and even better being a part of it and delivering much needed services in the community, which are indeed an honour and an amazing opportunity to be involved with”.
Scott, Peer Support Worker said:
“It makes me feel proud of the work that my colleagues do and the achievement is undoubtably fantastic. Also, it makes me feel that GMMH Community Health and Justice are accepting of what I bring to the table as someone in a lived experience role, without any prejudice or judgement, and that the knots and sinews of my mental health and skillset (regardless of how small) will be appreciated and championed. In doing so, this allows me to have the confidence to support, advocate and champion our service users to the best of my ability”.
Natalie, Peer Mentor Volunteer Lead, GMMH said:
“Gold, absolutely amazing! It has been an amazing journey working alongside our Peers, Volunteers, and Career Matters to show case the hard and amazing work that is carried out by our organisation and Lived experience teams. Winning Gold! has highlighted our passion for change, for opportunity, inclusivity, and learning. We were able to achieve this through the passion and experience of our Lived Experience teams, peers and volunteers. I’m excited for the future, the opportunities that will arise and working together to make more positive changes”.
David, Lead Peer Support Worker, GMMH said:
“Being a part of GMMH Community and Non-Custodial Health and Justice Services and to be recognized for my lived experience leadership style and attributes has been life changing. I would say it feels like a dream come true to myself as I knew I had the capability and determination to operate within a professional system, but never thought these opportunities would present themselves to me.
To now be functioning at this level with such a diverse and inclusive workforce that's supporting my growth, retention and development with compassion and understanding has felt so warm and empowering. To feel I can share my life, what I have learned and how I have seen things through my eyes and to support others entering employment from similar backgrounds is an incredible feeling.
Every day is an exciting prospect and being able to support and drive our service teams as Lead Peer Support Worker has helped me massively to live the life I have always dreamed of. It's an honour and a passion that has given me the self-esteem and validation I sought so much growing up. I'd like to share my gratitude to all those I work with who hold no bias and judgments to my past but embrace it with interest and make me feel part of a very special service”.
Kim, Strategic Lead for Lived Experience, GMMH said:
“Receiving this gold award was a special moment in my life. Working in a lived experience role for the last nine years has not been easy, it is unpredictable and each day is new.
Applying for this status involved meeting deadlines with teamwork and innovative and creative ideas. We are always learning. I would like to thank our volunteers and EBE workforce for all their hard work and dedication and our SLT for enabling this. The award demonstrates that we take pride in what we do and that we value lived experience. I feel proud, happy, overwhelmed and delighted."
Kirsty, Head of Operations and Quality, GMMH said:
“I am so proud of our Expert by Experience Leadership Team and all the work they have done to demonstrate our commitment to inspiring hope, commonality and trust to support our developing workforce.
Achieving GOLD status is tremendously validating and clearly signals our values and commitment to equality and inclusivity”.
Glyn Thomas, Head of Implementation, Health & Justice Team, Specialised Commissioning, NHS England said:
“Congratulations to the Expert by Experience Leadership Team and all working within the GMMH Community and Non-Custodial Health and Justice Services for achieving Lived Experience Charter Gold Award status. They have clearly demonstrated their commitment to an inclusive approach to workforce development, providing career opportunities by harnessing the skills and experience of peer supporters and volunteers to deliver enhanced outcomes for our vulnerable populations”.
