Abstract
Background
Residents in vulnerable neighborhoods face economic hardship, health inequalities, and social exclusion. Despite these communities’ pressing needs, they are frequently inaccessible to professionals and policymakers. Engaging experts-by-experience-residents who use their lived experience to support others-offers a promising way to bridge this gap. Although this approach is increasingly popular, little is known about its impact, especially on the experts themselves. This is explored in this study.
Methods
Using Participatory Action Research with a qualitative, exploratory design, we conducted a document analysis, interviews with experts-by-experience and professionals guiding them (n = 7), and observations of group meetings (n = 8) in a Dutch city. Participants included various types of experts-by-experience, ranging from professionals with experiential knowledge to those still in vulnerable situations themselves. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
The work of experts-by-experience is diverse. For example, they help citizens interpret official letters, offer information about the school system, and provide feedback for professionals developing new programs. Their work and training result in increased confidence, skill development, and access to education or employment opportunities. In turn, this can lead to positive changes in their own (previously) marginalized situations. For example, an expert-by-experience entered the formal labor market through working as an expert-by-experience. However, they also face challenges, such as the impact of financial compensation on the social benefits received by experts-by-experience.
Conclusions
Experts-by-experience not only supported others, but their involvement often marks a step forward in their own personal and professional growth. To sustain this impact, proper support, financial clarity, and attention to individual needs are essential.
Residents in vulnerable neighborhoods face economic hardship, health inequalities, and social exclusion. Despite these communities’ pressing needs, they are frequently inaccessible to professionals and policymakers. Engaging experts-by-experience-residents who use their lived experience to support others-offers a promising way to bridge this gap. Although this approach is increasingly popular, little is known about its impact, especially on the experts themselves. This is explored in this study.
Methods
Using Participatory Action Research with a qualitative, exploratory design, we conducted a document analysis, interviews with experts-by-experience and professionals guiding them (n = 7), and observations of group meetings (n = 8) in a Dutch city. Participants included various types of experts-by-experience, ranging from professionals with experiential knowledge to those still in vulnerable situations themselves. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
The work of experts-by-experience is diverse. For example, they help citizens interpret official letters, offer information about the school system, and provide feedback for professionals developing new programs. Their work and training result in increased confidence, skill development, and access to education or employment opportunities. In turn, this can lead to positive changes in their own (previously) marginalized situations. For example, an expert-by-experience entered the formal labor market through working as an expert-by-experience. However, they also face challenges, such as the impact of financial compensation on the social benefits received by experts-by-experience.
Conclusions
Experts-by-experience not only supported others, but their involvement often marks a step forward in their own personal and professional growth. To sustain this impact, proper support, financial clarity, and attention to individual needs are essential.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | ckaf161.1451 |
| Journal | European Journal of Public Health |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | Supplement_4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2025 |
| Event | 18th European Public Health Conference 2025: Investing for sustainable health and well-being - Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, Finland Duration: 12 Nov 2025 → 14 Nov 2025 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
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