Lived Experience Recovery Organizations
In Richmond and Wandsworth, CDARS is part of a consortium led by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) who deliver the clinical service in partnership with We Are With You (leading on recovery-based services) and St Mungo’s (leading on Homelessness and Education, Training and Employment). CDARS is responsible for delivering the Richmond and Wandsworth substance and alcohol misuse day programme as part of this consortium.
In October 2024, the Commissioners of Wandsworth and Richmond tasked CDARS with a 3-month project to carry out a service user survey study which aimed to help understand what service users in recovery or treatment expect out of a new LERO (Lived Experience Recovery Organisation) scheme and how a new scheme should be designed.
Lived Experience Recovery Organizations (LEROs) are peer-led organizations providing support for individuals recovering from substance and alcohol misuse around harm reduction interventions, peer support, recovery support services, and advocacy in accessing treatment and other support services. Often initiated informally by a small group of people in recovery or still in treatment, they can grow into formal organizations with employees and volunteers.
CDARS surveyed 94 service users who experience substance/ alcohol misuse issues to explore service user preferences, barriers to involvement, issues within existing services and expectations of our service users. The report presents key conclusions and recommendations for commissioners of the services, partners delivering the services and any other interested parties and stakeholders involved.
The survey study highlighted very important points:
- Service users want to actively engage: 76.5% of respondents expressed a desire to participate in the services they receive.
- Helping others gives a sense of purpose: Many service users believe that supporting others and sharing their lived experiences benefits both their peers and themselves.
- Expectations for involvement: Service users expect their feedback to be acted upon and anticipate proper training and support in their roles as peer mentors.
- Co-development of the LERO scheme: The LERO scheme should be co-designed based on service users’ suggestions to create a user-cantered treatment service that reflects their unique experiences.
The findings from this survey are pivotal in shaping the direction of a new LERO scheme. They highlight the strong desire among service users to engage in their recovery process, not just as recipients of care, but as active participants who play an important role in the wellbeing of their peers. Service users have expressed the importance of having their feedback heard and acted upon, as well as receiving proper training and support in their roles as peer mentors.
As we move forward, it is essential that these insights are used to co-design a LERO scheme that is both inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of those in recovery. Commissioners, service providers, and all stakeholders must continue to listen to and work closely with service users to ensure the development of a truly user-centred and effective recovery service.
The survey has laid the groundwork for a more empowered, engaged, and supported recovery community. By prioritizing the voices of those with lived experience, we can create a system that not only helps individuals recover but also fosters a sense of purpose and community for all involved.