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At Expert Link we believe that the only way services and systems designed to support people and address the issues they face can really be effective is when experts by experience, those with past and present lived experiences of multiple disadvantages, are equally involved in the constructive conversations about design and delivery of services, which is co-production.

Expert Link’s expertise lies primarily in training individuals and groups of people to develop the right skills, knowledge and attitudes to engage in effective co-production.

Our foundation training “Being the Difference” (2 days) combines personal and group development activities to allow groups of people to build the confidence, trust and cohesion needed for effective collective work.

It not only gives individuals the skills, confidence and tools to be able to participate with and contribute to a group, it will give particpants the tools they need to be able suppoort others so that they may participate to.

This course is for anyone who wishes to contribute to and be a part of co-production in a group setting, CEO’s, managers, commissioners, frontline staff and those with lived experience.

"Definitely for those who want to get involved in utilising their past lived experiences to positively change systems and services not only locally but also nationally”  Wayne

The Gift of Feedback

As we grow and develop we learn from our environments. Often we learn how NOT to give or receive feedback in way that benefits us and those around us.

On the course we will learn how to give feedback as a gift that helps others to grow and learn how to manage the feedback from those who haven’t had the opportunity to learn the skills that you ARE going to learn.

The Incredible YOU

Are your “labels” holding you back, hiding the real you?

Most of us are judged and treated by the labels that we have been given, and yet behind those labels is an incredible person with a multitude of talents and skills.

During this course you will not only discover your own hidden skills and talents, but will learn how to help others to discover theirs too.

Knowing What You Want

Ever wanted something and then when you’ve got it, it’s not what you want?

Giving back or just changing the world that we live in is what helps us in our own journey of change.
On the course you will learn how to work out what it is you actually want, help others to work out what they want and then how to Ask for it.

“Seeing the toolkit in action like that – when someone connected their own experience with what they wanted to change and how to do it – was quite something”

Facilitating a Meeting

Being able to bring people together to share their learning and wisdom and then collectively work out what it is you want will help to create the change that we want.

You will learn what you need to do before, during and after a meeting, along with how to manage the group dynamics.

“I just wanted to say thank you for your training around facilitating service user meetings. The training was great and it was truly wonderful interacting with my peers”

“Thank you again for the wonderful training day. My mind was stretched and enlightened in so many different ways.  You facilitated an inspiring, great space to ignite creative and active discussions surrounding client involvement and I left feeling pretty inspirational. Thank you!”

“Thank you so much for the amazing experience on. It was so uplifting to see the training come to life. Seeing the toolkit in action like that – when someone connected their own experience with what they wanted to change and how to do it – was quite something”


About Expert Link

Expert Link is a peer led organisation championing the voice of people with lived experience of multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, mental health issues, substance misuse, offending and domestic violence and abuse. We advocate for a world where people with lived experience of multiple disadvantages are treated as equal partners in decisions made about our lives.

We have a national network of people with lived experience of multiple disadvantages, using their wisdom to influence local and national policy. Our network is diverse, brought together by a programme of strengths-based training which supports people with lived experience to be involved in service development and influencing national policy change.


About your trainer

David has experienced childhood trauma, substance addiction, mental illness and homelessness, as well as having been on active service while a member of the armed forces.

He is the founder and CEO of Expert Link. He has over ten years’ experience in coproduction - working at individual, community, organisational, local and national government levels.

He has trained hundreds of people in the art of co-production, including individuals accessing services, frontline workers, middle management, members of senior leadership teams, commissioners, local authority leads and national Government officials.

David has developed numerous groups around the country, is a member of several panels and committees, including the Governments Rough Sleeper Advisory Panel and has been recognised internationally for the work he does.