Raf has spent more than ten years developing and growing Cygnet’s Experts by Experience (EbE) programme, helping to shape how lived experience informs service design, staff training and organisational culture across our services. His new role will see him move into a more strategic position, broadening the influence of co-production across the organisation while maintaining a strong connection to its lived experience roots.
Reflecting on his journey, Raf said: “My role as Expert by Experience Lead has been a huge part of my journey, both personally and professionally. For a long time, I made a conscious decision to retain the title of Expert by Experience, as it felt important to stay closely connected to the purpose and authenticity of the work.”
He added that his progression into a senior leadership role represents an evolution rather than a departure from that identity. “This next step reflects progression. It doesn’t move me away from lived experience, but combines lived and learnt experience to influence work at a broader strategic level,” he said.
Central to Raf’s work has been the development of a number of flagship initiatives. These include the creation of Cygnet Social Hubs, which have received award recognition for their contribution to recovery-focused, community-based support within services. The hubs, which offer a relaxing space for patients to unwind, are designed to foster connection, wellbeing and peer support in safe, inclusive environments.
He has also led on Music 2 Empower, a creative programme using music and artistic expression to support recovery, confidence-building and engagement among service users. Alongside this, he has helped establish People’s Councils across services, giving residents and service users a structured platform to influence decisions about care, environment and daily life.
Another key area of his work has been embedding Expert by Experience visits into Cygnet services, ensuring that people with lived experience play an active role in service reviews, training and quality improvement processes.
Raf said he has seen first-hand the different ways people engage with the EbE role. “There is no single pathway for Experts by Experience. For some, it is a short-term step in rebuilding confidence and stability before moving on to other careers or studies. For others, it becomes a long-term role and a new passion. Both are equally valid and valuable,” he said.
He added that the role often provides a unique space for personal development and recovery: “For many, the EbE role offers something special, a chance to reconnect with purpose, develop confidence and contribute meaningfully, with the right support and flexibility in place.”
Throughout his career, Raf has worked alongside a wide range of colleagues and leaders and he said: “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside so many people across services – service users, residents, experts by experience, nurses, medics and operational colleagues – all of whom have shaped this journey. The ongoing support to embed this work across services has helped make co-production a core part of how we operate, not an add-on.”
In his new position, Raf will focus on strengthening the strategic impact of lived experience across Cygnet, ensuring that co-production is embedded not only in frontline practice but also in leadership decision-making and governance structures.