Integrating a Lived Experience Position Into an Adult Survivors Program in Health: A Co-Reflection of Lived Experience, Clinical and Academic Perspectives.

backgroundIntegrating lived experience roles into health services is increasingly recognised as key for effective service delivery. The Adult Survivors Program (ASP) has been established to support adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, a population with complex health needs and historical mistrust of services. This paper explores the implementation of a dedicated Lived Experience position within ASP.

aimTo critically reflect on the process of establishing a Lived Experience of child sexual abuse role in a Violence, Abuse and Neglect health service, and identify lessons for workforce development.

methodsA dialogical co-reflection approach was used, involving a Lived Experience worker, senior clinician, clinical coordinator, and two researchers. Over 6 months, fortnightly reflective sessions were conducted. Individual written reflections are presented to form a shared narrative of the experience of implementation.

resultsThe narrative highlights the transformative potential of Lived Experience roles in VAN, challenges of visibility and stigma, and the need for organisational readiness. Establishing trust, safety, and shared values was critical. Structural issues such as pay parity, scope clarity, and emotional load were identified as significant considerations. The Lived Experience role enhanced: survivor-informed practice, disrupted hierarchical norms, and fostered cultural change, but also highlighted the importance of relational and systemic support.

conclusionEmbedding Lived Experience roles in health services offers opportunities for systemic reform and improved survivor engagement. Success depends on organisational commitment, flexible role design, reflective supervision, and sustainable resourcing. Findings inform policy and practice for integrating Lived Experience positions across health systems.