Engaging Lived Experience in Suicide Prevention

In this course, Hayley Purdon, Founder of CriticLE, presents little-considered aspects of engaging lived experience in suicide prevention work. Beginning by challenging the narrow traditional view of what constitutes “lived experience,” Purdon goes on to explain the many roles that those with lived experience can, but are often not asked, to take up. Avoiding mere tokenism and creating genuine engagement of those with lived experience means more than just doing “consultation” with them. Co-planning, co-design, co-conducting of research, and co-reflecting are all important stages that true engagement requires. She outlines the motivation typically present to engage helpfully for those with lived experience, and warns against exploitation (either conscious or unconscious) of those who would engage them. The proper planning steps of a project are identified, along with the structures that are needed to be put in place. Resources for guidance are listed.