Drawing from her lived experience of mental health challenges, Louisa Williams, a dedicated peer worker at EPUT, is helping ensure patient voice remains at the heart of mental health services.
Louisa is part of an expanding team of lived-experience ambassadors who support patients through every step of their care and treatment.
She is one of more than 40 peer workers introduced as part of EPUT’s Time to Care programme which focuses on ensuring all patients receive personalised and therapeutic care to support their long term recovery.
All peer workers have had experience of mental health challenges and use these experiences and empathy to support patients and ensure their voices are at the heart of the Trust’s services. They provide one-to-one and group support, help run activities, and work closely with clinical staff to ensure patients’ individual needs are being met.
EPUT’s secure services are usually accessed by people between 18 and 65 years old, who are detained under the Mental Health Act or Court Order.
“I was inspired to become a peer worker through my own experiences with mental health services,” Louisa explains. “Having faced my own challenges, I understand what it’s like to go through difficult times. I wanted to use that understanding to make a real difference for others.”
With a background in psychology and personal experience as a young carer, Louisa brings both academic insight and heartfelt empathy to her work. “Being a carer taught me the importance of recovery and resilience,” she says. “That experience, along with my studies, really propelled me toward supporting others in their recovery journeys.”
In her role, Louisa advocates for the value of lived experience. She builds therapeutic relationships with service users through one-to-one conversations, group sessions, and wellbeing activities such as meditation and aerobics. “It’s about more than just talking about trauma,” she notes. “It’s about helping people reconnect with everyday life and rediscover what makes them feel good.”
Peer workers play a vital role in helping patients feel heard and supported in a relatable way. “I’m there to listen – whether it’s about something that’s happened on the ward, worries about home leave, or just everyday challenges. That shared understanding can be really powerful.” Louisa explains.
Alongside patient support, peer workers strengthen the wider team by enhancing communication between patients and staff. “I can spend time with patients when other team members are busy, and then feedback anything important,” Louisa says. “If someone’s anxious about housing or benefits, I can liaise with social workers. If something’s triggered a patient, I can pass that on quickly so they get the right support.”
Peer workers also attend ward rounds, offering reassurance and advocacy. “It can be intimidating to speak up in front of a room of doctors and psychologists,” she explains. “Sometimes I’ll sit with patients to support them or help communicate what they want to say. Just having someone beside them who understands can make all the difference.”
Collaboration is at the heart of the role. Louisa works closely with occupational therapists and psychologists on recovery-focused projects, such as a new Recovery Café at Brockfield House, designed to promote social connection and wellbeing.
“It’s a really rewarding role,” she says. “I love the real, honest conversations and seeing people feel lighter after we talk. Human connection is everything.”