Across the charity sector, more organisations are recognising the value of involving people with lived experience in shaping services, systems, policy and practice. This is encouraging. But as this becomes more common, expectations need to rise too.
At Birth Companions, our engagement model is at the heart of everything we do. It has been shaped by 30 years of working alongside women facing inequality, disadvantage and trauma during pregnancy and early motherhood. We have always focused on creating spaces where women can come together, share experiences and help improve systems for others. Eight years ago, we formalised this with the development of our Lived Experience Team.
Since then, we have continued to listen, learn and refine our skills and approach. We have listened actively to what women have told us and remained focused on what meaningful engagement looks like, and how to make sure it feels safe, respectful and empowering.
That learning has led to the development of our specialist trauma-informed engagement training package, co-designed with members of our Lived Experience Team. We created it because we know many organisations want to do this work well. We also know that good intentions on their own are not enough.
Wellbeing must be at the centre
Trauma-informed engagement means involving people in a way that is person-centred, non-judgemental and grounded in care. It asks us to think not only about what outcomes we want to collectively achieve from the work, but also what people need in order to safely share their experiences and ideas.
When charities involve people with lived experience, there can be a strong focus on outcomes. What was learned? What changed? These things matter but should not be the only priority.
We begin with the experience of the women involved. Do they feel welcomed? Do they feel safe? Do they leave feeling heard and respected?
When we place importance on the person, engagement can become something much more meaningful. It can help women recognise the value of their own voice and experience. It can build confidence and connection. For some, it can be part of turning something painful into something more positive.
Care is in the detail
Attention to detail is of utmost importance. Creating safe spaces takes time, care and love and involves putting yourself in the shoes of the person attending.
We encourage charities to do a trauma-informed walk-through of any event or engagement activity. How will someone get there? What could make attendance difficult? Is childcare needed? What information would help someone feel comfortable before they arrive? Is the venue welcoming and accessible? Have food and dietary needs been considered? Will someone greet people on arrival and help them settle in? Will they be able to meet other speakers in advance?
These details matter because they show people they have been thought about, and that their involvement is important. They matter.
The same is true once a session begins. Clear introductions, a shared agenda, supportive facilitation, breakout spaces and someone noticing how people are doing, as well as being available to support them during and after the meeting, can make all the difference.
Risk assessment is important too. Emotional and physical wellbeing, safeguarding, confidentiality and practical barriers all need careful thought. This is not a step to leave until the last minute. Done well, trauma-informed engagement is carefully held from beginning to end.
Good engagement needs time
In our experience, a lead-in period of around eight to 12 weeks allows space to prepare well, build trust and put the right support in place. That might include clear information in advance, opportunities to speak beforehand, and practical support around the day itself.
At its best, this reflects the kind of personalised care that is needed across health and social care more widely, where people are treated as people, not numbers. It takes commitment, but when organisations invest in doing it well, the benefits are felt by everyone involved.
Respect should be visible
One of the earliest lessons for us came when we noticed that everyone in the room was being paid to be there except the women sharing their lived experience. That did not feel right, so we changed it.
If we value people’s expertise, we should value their time. Payment is one way to do that, but respect is also shown in how we communicate and how we follow through.
It means not making assumptions about what people need. It means asking. It also means being honest about what is possible and clear about how contributions will be used and coming back to people afterwards, sharing updates and what changed because they were involved.
Transformative for all
When people are met with kindness, compassion and care, engagement can create confidence, connection and hope. It can strengthen communities. It can support personal growth. It can help change systems because it changes how people experience those systems in the first place.
We know this work takes care, time and resource. But when charities put in that effort, it can be transformative.
Whether you are just beginning this journey or building on years of experience, we all continue to learn. By raising expectations of lived experience engagement, we can create spaces where people feel safe to speak, supported to lead, and valued for all that they bring.
