I have solely completed the setup and maintenance of a peer-led group for eating disorder support called Nourish and Flourish, which is slowly gaining traction. I now voluntarily run this group weekly. I use all my skills described in previous roles to tackle sensitive and stigmatised topics such as fatphobia, secrecy, the pitfalls of slimming groups. I make new materials every week for the group, and I believe in the importance of face-to-face support with the undertone of lived-experience and… Show more I have solely completed the setup and maintenance of a peer-led group for eating disorder support called Nourish and Flourish, which is slowly gaining traction. I now voluntarily run this group weekly. I use all my skills described in previous roles to tackle sensitive and stigmatised topics such as fatphobia, secrecy, the pitfalls of slimming groups. I make new materials every week for the group, and I believe in the importance of face-to-face support with the undertone of lived-experience and compassion. Show less

I initially started with this organisation as a support group attendee, which gave me a fantastic basis to work from as I entered the paid role as I had a level of lived experience within the context of the organisation. I gained a multitude of different experiences in the most varied, challenging, and growth-promoting role I’ve had. I recruited, coordinated, supervised, managed and supported a team of six volunteers which required me to have an excellent knowledge of the organisational… Show more I initially started with this organisation as a support group attendee, which gave me a fantastic basis to work from as I entered the paid role as I had a level of lived experience within the context of the organisation. I gained a multitude of different experiences in the most varied, challenging, and growth-promoting role I’ve had. I recruited, coordinated, supervised, managed and supported a team of six volunteers which required me to have an excellent knowledge of the organisational structure, as well as a sensitive approach and people skills, as well as practical skills such as serving drinks in the cafe. My lived experience was very relevant in this role, and I drew on it often in crisis support, group support, group facilitation and peer support between staff. I found it easy to note where it was relevant to bring up my own experiences without overtaking the needs of people who used the service. I completed well-praised pieces of academic writing including a full service evaluation. I attended and completed training including safeguarding adults level 1, mental health and suicide prevention, and mental health first aid. I solely coordinated the set up, running, maintenance and facilitation of a new support group as part of my role. I’ve become acclimatised to handling crisis efficiently and sensitively as well as learning how to better my own self-care within and around the role. I’ve chaired multiple staff meetings and feedback events, helped organise and taken part in charity and fundraising events such as the lush charity pot event, and overall my confidence in my abilities and my general self has grown massively. Society Secretary January 2023- June 2023)I was part of a team creating a new society for the university of Derby as society secretary. In this role I’ve managed public speaking, member records and event organisation as well as campaign and fundraising organisation with the involvement of guest speakers. Show less