We are pleased to announce a new collaborative project between Elysium Healthcare, an independent specialist provider of mental health, learning disability and autism, and neurological services, and With-you Consultancy, bringing national expertise in peer-based and lived experience approaches. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to embedding lived experience roles and peer support values at the heart of healthcare service development.
Together, we are co-designing and implementing a bespoke peer support framework that reflects the unique needs, strengths, and challenges of our services. This initiative is being guided by a Task and Finish Group, ensuring that lived experience and peer-led principles are central from the outset, fostering shared ownership and meaningful engagement. Five pilot sites have been selected for framework development and testing. A long-term implementation plan will be in place by March 2026.
Megan Georgiou, Group Head of Quality Improvement at Elysium Healthcare, said “We are proud to be working in partnership with With-you Consultancy to co-develop a peer support framework that truly reflects the voices and experiences of those we serve. This collaboration allows us to build a model of peer support that is both consistent and responsive across our services.”
Sue Denison, Group Expert by Experience at Elysium Healthcare, said: “This partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when lived experience is not just included, but truly valued and embedded from the beginning.”
This collaborative approach offers several key benefits:
- Embedding core values: Lived experience is being integrated throughout the development and implementation process, ensuring authenticity and relevance.
- Tailored framework: Leveraging a tried and tested framework formula, we are promoting consistency of practice across sites while adapting it to local contexts, and remaining responsive to individual needs.
- Co-developed process: We are working flexibly and collaboratively, allowing for ongoing review, adaptation, and co-creation of the work programme.
Marissa Lambert, Director of With-you, said:“This collaboration allows us to bring our expertise in peer-based approaches into a new space where innovation, sustainability, and lived experience are all driving forces. We’re excited to work alongside Elysium to create something meaningful and lasting.” This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for shared learning, innovation, and transformation in peer support practice. We look forward to working together to create a framework that is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.
