Beyond policy-a real life journey of engagement and involvement

Abstract

Despite the presence and growth of the service user (ie those who have experienced mental health and physical disabilities) movement health and social care, people with lived experience of disabilities still have limited involvement in delivery policy, research or development. So how do people who have multiple disadvantages influence health policy when professionals and policy makers have not grasped the importance of inclusion? This chapter describes some of the author's experiences gained from campaigning for user engagement and involvement in the UK health system and university cultures.