Expert by Experience Panel and Survivor Forum
People with lived experience of violence and abuse (or ‘experts by experience’) are best placed to advise on what solutions, support and services will make a positive difference to their lives.
As part of Lambeth’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-2027, the borough has established an Expert by Experience Panel and a Survivor Forum.
These spaces will enable people with lived experience to be involved in the delivery of our strategy and shape change for survivors in Lambeth.
Our first Expert by Experience Panel members were recruited in October 2023 and the panel meets every 2 months. You can read more about the creation of the panel on our have your say on the design of the panel consultation page.
The Survivor Forum is led by our Expert by Experience Panel. Our first forum was held at the Gaia Centre in spring 2024. We run a forum event every 3 months, aiming to reach a diverse range of survivors across the borough.
To receive updates about events and opportunities for survivors in Lambeth, sign up to our Survivor Forum mailing list.
VAWG Champions Network
To support the goals set out in our Lambeth’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2021-2027, we are developing a VAWG Champions Network programme in collaboration with our Expert by Experience Panel.
The VAWG Champions Network - made up of local residents and practitioners - will receive additional training to help raise awareness across the borough and signpost those in need to appropriate support.
We will update this page with further details when we open recruitment.
Gaia Centre peer mentor
Gaia offers peer mentoring volunteer opportunities. The role delivers one-to-one support to clients to increase confidence, reduce isolation and to re-build their lives.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, email the Gaia Centre at lambethvawg@refuge.org,uk.
African Advocacy Foundation (AAF) peer mentor
The African Advocacy Foundation (AAF) trains women with lived experiences as peer mentors to support other women in similar situations.
This approach builds on grassroots community conversations aimed at empowering women and girls affected by violence to speak out and seek support.
For more information on becoming a peer mentor, visit the AAF website or email info@africadvocacy.org
Lambeth Safer Streets campaign
The safety of women and girls in public spaces is one of Lambeth’s priorities. Let us know where you feel safe or unsafe in Lambeth using our Safer Streets interactive online map.
You can mark areas where you feel safe or unsafe, tell us why, and suggest what more we can do to help. Sharing your concerns and ideas will help us to make a safer borough for everyone.
We are challenging men and boys to call out the harassment of women and girls on our streets and join our Look Out For Lambeth campaign.