Who am I?
Image description- Katie sitting inside, smiling at camera with deep purple hair in a hair clip, wearing a bright coloured dress with 90's icons on.
Following a physical disability, requiring support from carers/support workers, I embarked on a rollercoaster ride through the health and social care system. Along the way, I witnessed the disempowerment of individuals receiving support, the lack of collaboration between those that use servives and the decision-makers/providers, and the real-life challenges faced by people with disabilities within the system. I grappled with the frustrations of injustice and inequality inherent in a 21st-century system that operates without meaningful engagement with the very individuals reliant on its services which for some only mets their basic needs– these are the experts. These are the same people whose quality of life hangs in the balance as decisions are made at higher levels within public and private sector organizations.
My advocacy for change within the health and social care sector is not just a call for action, but a commitment. As an individual with lived experience, I have actively participated in local and regional boards, bringing my unique perspective to the table. I have also been involved in several research projects, both published and currently unpublished, furthering our understanding of the challenges within the system.
I am an active board member for
Making it Real Shropshire board member
National Voices Lived Experience Partners
West Midland ADASS Co-production Advisory Group board member
Along with this, I am also-
I am an Enter and View Officer, Health Watch Shropshire
Support the learning and development of future social workers from a lived experience viewpoint for apprentice social workers at Chester University.
I am a Coach and Mentor for social care directors in the West Midlands.
Played an active role as an individual with lived experience in the 'Changing culture not just process: Community led support in action' research project.
Have spoken a number of times at arranged meetings to help inform parents with knowledge around 'the system' of social care.
