Lived Experience

Pioneering Care Partnership is working with other partner organisations to support Community Mental Health Transformation for Adults and Older Adults in County Durham.

This partnership aims to change and develop service delivery by giving people more choice and control over their care, helping them live well in their communities.

For successful transformation and service improvement, engaging people with lived experience of mental health difficulties is vital, so their voices can help redesign services.

PCP leads the creation of lived experience structures within the county wide system. We work across the county with voluntary sector partners to bring together a team of lived experience leads for specific local areas.

Our partners:

UTASS, East Durham Trust

Lived Experience leads are advocates for service users, ensuring that the voice of lived experience makes the changes needed to services.

Each member of the team is keen to connect with individuals with lived experience, those who support individuals with lived experience, and organisations with shared interests within their areas.

We create a safe space where we truly listen to people’s views about accessing services.

If you would like to speak to us, please contact livedexperience@pcp.uk.net you can also download our leaflet here for more information

Meet the Team

Local Lived Experience Lead, East Durham

Ian Watson

Ian had built a successful career as an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) but found himself unfulfilled. He wanted to make a difference in his community, and to help others. Having had personal experience of mental health struggles, ideally he wanted to work in this area, and his Lived Experience Lead role (for East Durham) now allows him to do this. Ian has lived in Peterlee, East Durham, all of his life, and is proud to be working as part of the Community Mental Health Transformation (CMHT) Programme.

Local Lived Experience Lead, Sedgefield and Bishop Auckland

Hannah Farran-Rees

I started working for the Pioneering Care Partnership in 2016 having graduated from Northumbria University with a Masters in Law. I have worked on a variety of projects within PCP from Healthwatch to BBO Road.

I particularly enjoy the research and analysis side of my current role as the Lived Experience Lead working on the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme. I enjoy working for PCP as no two days the same and everyday I am striving towards making a difference for those who are accessing mental health services.

County-Wide Lived Experience Lead

Kalina Bellis

I started working in a lived experience role because I’m passionate about making a real difference. I love connecting with people and working together to create change. It’s inspiring to meet others who share that same drive, and being part of a team that’s making a real impact is truly rewarding. For me, it’s all about listening, learning, and helping to shape services that genuinely support those who need it most.

After work, you’ll often find me out on long walks with my staffy, enjoying some fresh air and time to unwind.

Lived Experience Lead, Teesdale and Weardale

Becky Land

Hi, my name is Becky and I am one of the LE team. I started my role in July 2024 for the dales area. I am so proud to be bringing the voices of the farming community to this body of work and highlighting the challenges within the industry and rural community.

I live in the dale and I am 3rd generation sheep farmer with 80 sheep and a growing cattle herd.

I have worked with the Durham community champions and with the health watch team and was part of the team who rolled out the first farmers walk in at pinfold medical practice. To be able to bring the voices of the community I live and work in forward to implement change is such a privilege.

Local Lived Experience Lead, Chester-le-Street

Sophie Richardson

Hi, I’m Sophie. I am the Local Lived Experience Lead for Chester-Le-Street (part time). I started the role in January 2024, I love working with the team and I am so passionate about this work and the difference we can make to people’s lives.

Local Lived Experience Lead, Derwentside

Michelle Tierney

Hi I'm Michelle, I have a varied background in the VCSE sector and as a Trustee. I have a Master’s in Leadership and Coaching and a passion in promoting holistic approaches to health and supporting individuals and communities in achieving better overall wellbeing.

Local Lived Experience Lead, Durham Central

Megan Gibb

Hi, I'm Megan, I have a background in Support and Social work, and look forward to bringing this experience to the team. I'm recently married and have children, we love spending time outdoors or having movie nights. I'm looking forward to getting to meet everyone, sharing their knowledge, being part of the wider team to support community Mental health transformation.