How a UK Careers Fair is Empowering People with Lived Experience to Overcome Adversity

A careers event in Preston has brought together individuals battling homelessness and addiction, showcasing the power of lived experience in the workforce.

The Lived Experience Career Event Fair

Both employees and attendees gathered at Preston North End to participate in the Lived Experience Career event fair. This event, which has doubled in size since last year, brought together organizations that support those in recovery from severe adversity.

First-Hand Experience Drives Change

The potential employees at this event have first-hand experience with some of the services they now help improve, bringing unique motivation and insight to make these services more effective.

A lived experience employee at the North-West Probation Service shared: "I’ve got a criminal conviction, so I know what people are going through when they’re in the criminal justice system. I use the story of my lived experience to help write the policies and procedures we use to support people. This is essential in delivering an effective service and makes me feel valued as an employee."

One of the stalls at the careers event (Pic: PCC)

From Personal Struggle to Professional Success

From overcoming addiction to navigating homelessness, the careers event was supported by Changing Futures Preston, which is funded by Preston City Council and Lancashire Skills Hub.

Kelly Hardman, support worker and lived experience employee at CGL/Inspire, explained: "I was a heroin addict for 20 years, and my life was in chaos. Now, people see me and understand how their lives could change. I’ve achieved an A* in Health and Social Care. Beginning as a volunteer, I’ve worked my way up. Turning my past into a force for good makes me feel so proud."

Community Support and Funding

The event was funded by Preston City Council, demonstrating local government investment in creating meaningful employment opportunities for those with challenging backgrounds.