Young Experts by Experience (YEBEs)

YEBEs get involved in lots of different ways. Some of the things YEBEs do include:

• Sharing their experiences, ideas, and stories
• Supporting and representing the views of young people
• Giving feedback on CAMHS, MHST, and other services
• Helping to design resources and information for young people
• Reviewing documents, leaflets, and policies
• Attending monthly YEBE meetings
• Taking part in staff recruitment and interview panels
• Speaking at events, training sessions, and conferences
• Getting involved in projects and service developments

Every contribution helps us understand what matters most to young people and improve services for children, young people, and their families.

We know that being a YEBE often has to fit around school, work, family life, and other commitments. That's why we offer different opportunities to get involved and different ways to share.

Our Newsletter  - YEBEs have create a quarterly newsletter called The Ripple Effect – ‘Small voices make big changes.’ The first newsletter will launch on the 10th October for World Mental Health Day!

Click here to read the newsletter: The Ripple Effect: Autumn Edition 2026

Lived experience is the most important thing young people bring as a YEBE.

YEBEs do not need to have used mental health services or have a specific diagnosis to get involved. What matters most is their willingness to use their experiences and perspectives to help improve services for other young people.

Every young person's journey is different, and YEBEs bring a wide range of experiences, ideas, and viewpoints. By sharing their voices, they help make a positive difference for children and young people across Dorset.

Some of the experiences that YEBEs often bring:

• Understanding their own stories and feeling comfortable sharing them
• Insight into specific challenges, experiences, or conditions, helping others understand what it can be like to live with them
• Experience of belonging to a community or group whose voice is not always heard
• Insight into what it is like to be a young person today
• Helping make information, resources, and services more meaningful and accessible for young people
• A passion for influencing services and helping create change
• Identifying gaps in services and opportunities for improvement
• Acting as role models for recovery

There are a few important steps we ask young people who are interested in becoming an YEBE to take.  

1. Get in touch

If you're interested in becoming a YEBE, contact the Participation Team and we'll arrange an informal chat with you: dhc.yp.participation@nhs.net.

2. Come to an introduction meeting

We'll meet with you to talk through what a YEBE is, what opportunities are available and what being involved might look like.

This is also a chance for you to ask questions and decide whether becoming a YEBE is right for you.

3. Complete some paperwork

We'll ask you to complete a registration form and sign an Experts by Experience Agreement, which explains:

• What you can expect from us & What we expect from you
• How we keep your information safe (We'll ask for your consent to store your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 2018)

4. DBS checks (if needed)

Some YEBE activities may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

A DBS is a way of helping organisations make safer decisions when people are involved in certain activities, especially those involving children, young people, or vulnerable adults.

Not all opportunities require a DBS check, and having a criminal record will not automatically prevent you from becoming a YEBE.  If you'd like to discuss this further, please contact the Participation Team.

5. Complete your mandatory training

Before getting involved in activities, we ask all YEBEs to complete some mandatory e-learning. This training helps make sure that you, and other feel safe, supported, and well prepared. (All training is free to complete.)

6. Create a Participation Portfolio

As you get involved in YEBE activities, we'll work with you to create a Participation Portfolio. This helps us to match you with opportunities that interest you and support your wellbeing.

We're here to support you

If this feels like a lot of information, don't worry. We'll guide you through each step and answer any questions you have along the way.

We'll do our best to make the process accessible, inclusive, and supportive, so you can get involved in a way that works for you.

You do not need any formal qualifications to become a YEBE.

We know everyone communicates and learns differently. We'll work with each YEBE to share information and opportunities in ways that work best for them, helping them feel comfortable, included, and able to take part.

At the moment, most of our information and training is available in English. If this creates any barriers to getting involved, please speak to us. We'll do our best to explore options and provide support wherever possible.

To take part in some YEBE activities, it helps to have:

• Access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone to join online meetings and activities
• An email address so we can share information, updates, and opportunities with you
• Access to transport for some in-person activities

If access to technology or transport is difficult, the Participation Team will work with YEBEs to explore how they can be supported to get involved.

Being a YEBE can be a learning opportunity, and no one is expected to know everything from day one.

YEBEs receive training and ongoing support to help them:

• Complete mandatory training
• Feel confident taking part in activities
• Reflect on their experiences and contributions
• Ask questions and raise concerns
• Give and receive feedback
• Build confidence and develop new skills

We want every YEBE to feel valued, supported, and empowered.

YEBEs are never expected to take on clinical responsibilities. However, we recognise that sharing personal experiences can sometimes bring up difficult thoughts, feelings, or memories.

That's why we encourage self-reflection, make sure support is available, and remind YEBEs that they can step away from an activity at any time. We encourage young people to take breaks when they need to and to say no to activities they do not feel comfortable or ready to take part in.

Support available includes:

• One-to-one support and debriefs with staff
• Peer support from other YEBEs
• Access to advice, wellbeing webinars, and 24/7 counselling through Care First
• Opportunities to join staff networks and communities
• Referral to Occupational Health or specialist support if needed

We offer an optional involvement payment to recognise the time, commitment, skills, and expertise that YEBEs bring.

We can also reimburse reasonable expenses that young people may incur while taking part in activities. This may include:

• Travel costs
• Food and refreshments
• Carer or support costs where needed

Supporting future opportunities

Many YEBEs use their experience to build confidence, develop new skills, and prepare for future opportunities in education or employment.

To support this, we can provide:

• References and letters of recommendation
• Recognition of training, skills and experience gained

If you are interested in becoming a Young Expert By Experience or would like more information, please get in touch: dhc.yp.participation@nhs.net.