What Is The WSX LEAG?
The West Sussex Lived Experience Advisory Group (WSX LEAG) is a unique network of people with lived or living experience of mental health challenges and Carers. We work together to challenge, influence, and improve local mental health services across West Sussex.
Our members come from diverse backgrounds and bring valuable lived, living and learnt experience of mental health. You might also hear us referred to as independent Experts by Lived Experience (EBLEs).
We are a friendly, inclusive and well-established group that has been running for over three years and we’re always looking for new members to join us in shaping a fairer, brighter future for mental health care.
What Do We Do?
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- Collaborate with BHT Sussex, West Sussex Mind, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Southdown, Crawley Open House, Stone Pillow and Turning Tides and NHS Surrey and Sussex to ensure lived experience voices shape mental health service delivery and continuous improvement.
- Advise on commissioning decisions and influence changes that matter.
- Collaborate with other lived experience networks to improve communication and coordination across Sussex.
What Are We Currently Working On?
- Consulting within the optimisation of Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams (NMHTs) in West Sussex
- Co-deliver the upcoming Pathfinder partner event, hosted by the West Sussex LEAG.
- Co-launching the Sussex Community of Practice for co-production and lived experience involvement
- Consulting on the Sussex-wide mental health communications workstreams.
- Informing the development of the Sussex Co-production Charter, working with Possability People and Changing Futures Sussex.
What Have We Achieved So Far?
- Co-produced and delivered training for new members.
- Provided input on the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system.
- Advised on the development of Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams (NMHTs) from the programme launch.
- Delivered over 400 Lived Experience hours across West Sussex since December 2025 and 75 meetings with LEAG members attendance.
- Set-up delivered and evaluated a peer led trauma group for members of the LEAG.
- Supported the co-production of the WSx Mental Health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.
- Involvement and influence over recent Mental Health Support Services (MHSS tender) principles, specification and evaluation.
- ‘Change The Language’ project and guide – 2 years’ work launched and guide now being shared across the system.
- Launched the Co-production Discussion Forums – 10-20 people attending each month.
- Supported the development
- Co-delivered the annual Sussex Co-production conferences with partners.
- Informed the development of the Sussex Trauma Informed Framework.
West Sussex LEAG Strategy 2026
The WSX LEAG Strategy 2026 sets out the group’s vision and priorities for the year ahead, with a continued focus on embedding lived, living and learned experience at the heart of mental health support services across West Sussex.
The strategy builds on the group’s achievements and sets out how WSX LEAG will continue to learn together, shift power and work collaboratively to strengthen the voice and influence of people with lived experience.
The strategy includes:
- The group’s vision, mission, values and principles
- The impact and achievements of WSX LEAG so far
- Three strategic priorities: growing and diversifying membership, strengthening communications and visibility, and enhancing independence
- Plans to strengthen relationships with communities, partners and other lived experience groups
- The development of a Sussex Co-production Charter
- Opportunities to increase the group’s presence within strategic governance
- A framework for member induction, training, peer support and trauma-informed support
- Commitments to inclusion, accessibility and sustainability
- The group’s governance arrangements and independent lived experience voice
- The roles of CAPITAL, BHT Sussex and wider partners
- How progress, impact and continuous learning will be monitored and evaluated
2024-2025 West Sussex LEAG Impact Report
This new report includes information about:
- LEAG Membership
- Activities from the last year
- LEAG and SCALE network topics
- LEAG aims for 24-25
- Key achievements in West Sussex and across Sussex
- LEAG impact and member feedback
- Next steps
What Can You Expect As A Member?
- Learn about mental health services in Sussex and how they work.
- Get support to share your lived experience in meaningful ways.
- Opportunities to influence and innovate in mental health services.
- Paid opportunities for attending meetings and other activities (where specified).
- Build friendships, confidence, and skills.
- Volunteering opportunities and pathways to progress.
- Be part of an inclusive, empowering community making a real difference.
While paid work isn’t guaranteed, we aim to create and share as many opportunities as possible.
Interested in joining us?
Please scan the QR code to view our online enquiry form or follow the direct link –
Complete the form and a member of the co-production team will contact you shortly.
If you need any support please contact us below.
Please note this is for LEAG membership, not CAPITAL membership.
The LEAG provides a unique safe space for my voice to be heard. The meetings are warm, welcoming, non-corporate and non judgmental.
LEAG Member Anonymous