LIVED EXPERIENCE
THE RIGHT STRATEGY
A lived experience team has helped to highlight the changes that need to take place to improve outcomes for more than 3,000 people experiencing multiple disadvantage in Surrey . Surrey County Council has published the latest Joint Strategic Needs Assessment ( JSNA ) chapter , which focuses on addressing multiple disadvantage across the county . JSNA chapters serve as a tool to help key decision-makers and commissioners to understand the current and future health and social care needs of a population group .
The chapter , which was supervised by myself , has been co-produced with the Surrey LERO and reveals how vulnerable individuals face all kinds of barriers when accessing support . It also highlights their stories , as well as the
Lived experience takes centre-stage in Surrey ’ s first JSNA for multiple disadvantage , says Lisa Byrne
experiences of the frontline staff supporting them .
VALUES AND APPROACH Multiple disadvantage is where an individual is experiencing a combination of challenges including homelessness , substance use , domestic abuse , mental ill health and contact with the criminal justice system . Eleanor Levy is part of the lived experience team and has faced challenges including childhood deprivation and trauma , which led her into addiction and homelessness .
‘ The multiple disadvantage JSNA chapter represents the values and approach of the Changing Futures programme ,’ she said . ‘ We worked with curiosity , hope , and without judgment to gather evidence , involving many agencies , groups , and individuals . Together we designed , created , and carried out interviews , and the
participants responded honestly and openly .’
The project was ‘ built on generosity ’, she continued . ‘ Instead of focusing only on Changing Futures , we aimed to better understand the root causes of multiple disadvantage . The Changing Futures programme in Surrey has not only benefited individuals but also improved how agencies work together . However , this work helps us develop strategies for prevention , early intervention , and more effective support for those affected .’
Multiple disadvantage continues to worsen health and wellbeing inequalities ‘ in our communities and beyond ’, she stated . ‘ Unlike past efforts that didn ’ t lead to lasting impact , this work is different . It has resulted in a co-produced strategy that embeds our learnings and sets a clear direction for service improvements going forward .’
SYSTEM CHANGE The LERO was formed at the inception of Surrey ’ s Changing Futures programme in 2021 and they have recently re-named themselves RAGS ( Recovery Action Group Surrey ). Now a member of the national CLERO ( College of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations ), their ambition for the future is for autonomy beyond the Changing Futures programme .
The group ’ s objectives include seeking system change for residents experiencing multiple disadvantage , and it ’ s their ambition to partner in the governance in Surrey – providing peer research and being a critical friend to system partners , including the local combatting drugs partnership board .
Lived experience team member Steve Saunders says his background of alcohol addiction has enabled him to see where gaps exist in current services . ‘ I approached the co-production of the JSNA chapter with an open mind , unsure of what we might achieve ,’ he said . ‘ But as I began to understand the JSNA ’ s objectives , I realised they aligned perfectly with how I envisioned addressing the needs of people facing multiple disadvantage . From that moment , I was hooked .’
What immediately drew him in was the ‘ sense of community and the passionate individuals working toward a shared goal ,’ he said . ‘ There was a clear
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