I’m Dawn, and I’m the Deputy Manager and Advanced Lived Experience Development Lead at the College. My journey here has been shaped by my own experiences of using mental health services, including HPFT services, which have given me a deep understanding of the challenges people face — and the importance of hope, support, and recovery.

Lived experience has always been at the heart of what I do. Having navigated my own mental health challenges, I know firsthand how vital it is to feel heard, understood, and empowered. In my role, I not only support the manager in delivering the college, but I also help to ensure that lived experience remains a core part of everything we do—from the courses we design to the way we engage with students.

What I love about this job is that it allows me to bring both personal insight and professional skills together. I get to use what I’ve learned through my own recovery to guide and support others, helping to create a space where people feel safe to explore their own journeys. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence, gain new perspectives, and discover their own strengths.

For me, working in a role that values lived experience as an asset is truly empowering. It proves that recovery is not just possible—it can lead to meaningful opportunities to help others. I’m passionate about making sure that everyone who comes through the college knows that their experience matters and their future is not defined by their past. Being part of that journey, even in a small way, is something I’m truly grateful for.