Y-LET is the term used to describe our wonderful ‘Young Lived Experience team’ – Mentors 18-30 years old.
What does “Lived Experience” mean?
A lived experience mentor is someone who has gone through similar experiences as others and can offer guidance and support based on their own personal experiences.
This could be someone who has overcome addiction, dealt with mental health issues, or navigated the care system, among other things.
What are the benefits of being a lived experience mentor?
A rewarding experience for all
Being a lived-experience mentor is an incredibly rewarding experience. First and foremost, it allows you to help others who are going through similar challenges as you once did. You can offer them empathy and understanding, as well as practical advice based on your own experiences.
Giving people a sense of hope
As a lived experience mentor, you can also provide a sense of hope to those who are struggling. Sharing your story of overcoming adversity can inspire others to keep going and believe they can also overcome their difficulties. Being a lived experience mentor can also help you develop a sense of purpose and identity.
When you use your experiences to help others, it can help you understand that your experiences don’t define you and that you can use them to make a positive impact in the world.
It helps to build a community
Finally, being a lived experience mentor can provide you with a sense of community. By sharing your experiences, you can connect with others who have gone through similar challenges and build meaningful relationships with them.
Of course, being a lived experience mentor can also come with its own set of challenges. It can be emotionally difficult to revisit past traumas and share them with others. It’s important to take care of yourself and seek support when needed.
In conclusion, being a lived experience mentor can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It allows you to help others, provide hope, and build a sense of community.
If you are considering becoming a lived experience mentor, I encourage you to take the leap and use your experiences to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
What has the Young Lived Experience Team achieved so far?
- 4 Young people achieved Level 1 induction
- 5 Young people currently in training on Level 2 Supporting Other & Substance Misuse
- 2 Successfully moved on from the programme
- Over 15 young people have raised their interest in joining the programme
- 2 Y-Lets have shadowed the Drop-in
- 1 Y-Let supported the Sleepout
- 2 Y-Lets supported International Women’s Day
- Advertising leaflet and poster shared with multiple partners
- 70% of Y-LETs have Safeguarding Training
What’s the Young Lived Experience team up to?
All the Y-Lets have successfully passed their training. They are now starting to go out to services and shadow other professionals at Streetlife, Changing Futures, Adolescents Services, Platform, Personal Advisors and the already established Lived Experience team for over 30s.
From this, they will be shadowing the Changing Futures Link Worker and learning the ropes of how to offer 1:1 intensive support for other young people, teaching them how to navigate through challenges.
The Y-LETS have started backstage support, which includes cooking for young people at Streetlife drop-ins and making up food and toiletry parcels. We are meeting regularly for group workshop meetings and have plans for a team-building day. In addition, the team are looking to create a coproduction Training Plan with the staff at Streetlife.
If you are interested in becoming a Young Lived Experience mentor or would like further information, please get in touch!
[email protected] / 07787085864
