Lived Experience
Hi, I am Stuart ‘Smudge’ Smith and I am a lived experience advocate. Having been through quite a bit in my life, it feels like the right time to move on from a lot of the voice over work I have been doing alongside manual work. I still have a lot of fun with my voices, but its really just a fun hobby now. I am looking to do more around lived experience, as well as mental health.
What is lived experience?
I hear you wonder. Lived experience is a first hand account and perspective, of the issues some of us face in life. Whether its mental health, physical health, parenting or physical abuse you suffered in childhood. We have a unique knowledge and understanding on various topics.
I would describe myself as your typical working-class man in his late 50’s. My approach is one of common sense, honesty and respecting each others world views. Living in social housing following chronic kidney disease and losing my health. I have gained much resilience from the adversity I have faced, I now pass on those experiences. Using my lived experience in areas like mental health for example and through peer support.
The LXV on Discord
The LXV stands for Lived Experience Voice. A platform where we share our lived experience and world views. This can often be used by academics and decision makers, helping to shape policy. I sit on the Ministry of Housing Social housing residents panel for example. Passing on my lived experience as a social tenant on housing issues. I believe our perspectives can help give a more balanced view in decision making. This can help in areas around policy, health inequalities and many more. As well as public speaking, where I have experience from voiceover work and radio. I am sure I may revisit an idea I had for a podcast at some point as well. Check out The LXV on Discord