Join the National Lived Experience Awards 2026 Event Team!
Would you like to help plan our awards ceremony? We are looking for current service users of mental health services to join our Event Planning Team for the National Lived Experience Awards 2026!
These awards celebrate people who use mental health, learning disability, and autism services across the UK. Whether you have helped plan an event before or this is your very first time, we want to hear from you.
What does the Event Team do?
As a team member, you will help make important decisions to make the awards amazing. Your role can include:
• Choosing a theme or a fun dress code.
• Selecting the venue where the awards will happen.
• Picking the entertainment for the day.
• Designing posters and invitations.
• Attending the awards ceremony in person, or you can watch virtually if you can’t be there on the day.
Important Dates
• Application Deadline: Friday, 6th March.
• You will hear back from us by: Friday, 13th March.
• Our First Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, 1st April, at 10:30am.
• The Awards Ceremony: The awards day will take place the week commencing the 21st of September 2026. We are still deciding on the exact date and location!
How to Apply
1. Fill out the application form.
2. Fill out the photo consent form (only if you are happy for your photo to be used).
3. Email both forms to [email protected] by Friday, 6th March.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is a virtual meeting?
A virtual meeting is a meeting held over the internet instead of in person. We will use a program called Microsoft Teams. You will sit at your computer, phone or tablet, and you will be able to see and hear the other team members on your screen. - Do I need a staff member to support me?
Yes. All service users will need a member/s of support staff to help them attend the virtual meetings and any in-person meetings/events. You will be asked to provide support staff details on your application form. They will be the person to receive all communications about the Events Team planning and the National Lived Experience Awards. - When will the meetings be held?
Once we have received your forms, we will respond to you by Friday, 13th March, providing you with some further details, including a list of the virtual meeting dates and a joining link to add to your calendar. Meetings will usually be once a month, with the virtual meetings lasting no longer than 1 hour. - Do I need experience?
No! We will help you understand everything you need to do. - Where will the awards be held?
We haven’t picked the venue yet. In fact, that is one of the jobs of the Events Team to help us choose. - Will I get an invite to the awards?
Yes! All Events Team members will be sent an RSVP invite to our exclusive award ceremony. If you are unable to attend on the day, we will provide you with a link to watch the event online. - Do I have to complete a photo consent form?
If you are happy to be in photos and consent to photography, please let us know on your application form, and send us a completed Photo Consent form with your application. If you don’t want to be in any photos, please tell us on your application form, and do not complete a consent form.
You will also be asked again if you consent to photos on your RSVP form when you are invited to the awards. Again, you can choose the option that you feel happy with at the time.
If you change your mind at any time, you can email us at [email protected]. - Who can I talk to if I have questions?
You can email us at [email protected] or visit www.livedexperienceawards.org