{"id":2052,"date":"2022-10-28T09:58:09","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T08:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alliance-scotland.org.uk\/lived-experience\/?page_id=2052"},"modified":"2023-02-01T12:57:54","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T12:57:54","slug":"diverse-experiences-advisory-panel-deap","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.alliance-scotland.org.uk\/lived-experience\/networks\/diverse-experiences-advisory-panel-deap\/","title":{"rendered":"Diverse Experiences Advisory Panel (DEAP)"},"content":{"rendered":"

DEAP members draw on their experiences and perspectives to inform government policy and how it can support better mental health and well-being for people and communities across Scotland.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This new initiative, initially running for two years and began in the spring of 2022. DEAP is a partnership with the Mental Health Foundation and the ALLIANCE. The Scottish Government substantially funds it.<\/p>\n

Who are DEAP? We are a group of 20 to 30 people with diverse identities and life experiences. We meet at least four times annually and are kept updated on progress by email. We draw on our lived experiences and perspectives to advise the Scottish Government and others on how public policy can help to reduce inequalities and support more people to experience good mental health.<\/p>\n

We come from a wide range of backgrounds, including geographies and ages, racialised groups and ethnic communities<\/a> and different sexualities and genders<\/a>. Among us, we have wide-ranging life experiences. These include, but aren\u2019t limited to, experiences of long-term health conditions<\/a>, disability, neurodiversity, care experience, homelessness<\/a>, unemployment, poverty<\/a>, immigration and asylum seeking, discrimination, abuse, loneliness and isolation<\/a>, substance use<\/a>, bereavement, trauma<\/a>, unpaid caring and\/or experiences of mental health problems.<\/p>\n

None of us is defined by a single experience or identity; we are each unique, complex individuals with many experiences that shape our lives. We advise on policy from our lived experiences and perspectives rather than from a professional or academic perspective.<\/p>\n

Why do diverse experiences and perspectives matter for mental health?<\/p>\n

We all have mental health. Many things shape our experience of mental health. Experiences of inequality, discrimination and\/or exclusion can increase the risk of poor mental health and create barriers to well-being.<\/p>\n

Our work considers the many factors that shape mental health and well-being and how these interact. These factors aren\u2019t just about physical and mental health; they are not limited to health and social care services.<\/p>\n

They also include:<\/p>\n