From the Boardroom to the Kitchen Table: Niagara's Lived Experience Advisory Network |
In this episode, Andrea is joined by Brandon Agnew and Donna Mills from Niagara Region Public Health, and community member Jennifer Symonds to talk about Niagara Region’s Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN).
Niagara Region started LEAN in 2018 to bring two parties together- public health, and people who experience poverty- to talk about the intersections between poverty and health in Niagara, and problem solve solutions to improve health outcomes. LEAN leverages the skills, talent and experiences of people who live in poverty and empowers them to be community leaders, to think outside of the box and look for innovative solutions. LEAN is also creating social connections between network members, and community connections between service providers.
There are several “ingredients” that allow LEAN to be successful:
An important consideration when engaging people with lived/living experience is making meetings accessible, safe and comfortable. Brandon and Donna asked community members to choose how often they want to meet, where they want to meet and select meeting spaces that are comfortable (for example the atrium or cafeteria as opposed to a boardroom). Every monthly meeting includes dinner, which everyone eats together. Children and youth are welcome at meetings. Brandon and Donna promote car sharing, provide gas cards and taxi chits to make it easy and affordable for members to attend meetings. LEAN members are provided with an honorarium for each meeting. When shaping each agenda, Brandon lets the community set the pace in terms of meeting frequency and topics, and alternates meeting formats to include celebrations and casual conversations.
We end the episode with advice for listeners to consider as they engage people with lived experienced. Jennifer’s advice is to “just do it”: the benefits outweigh any risks or challenges. Donna’s advice is to make the engagement authentic and be ready to implement the advice and suggestions that you receive. Brandon’s advice is see the gifts and talents that people have, as opposed to the deficits.
Thanks to the Tenfold team and Niagara’s IT folks for making this episode possible! |
About Brandon:
Brandon Agnew is a Community Health Broker with Niagara Region Public Health. He is inspired by everyday people who do awesome things.
About Jennifer:
Jennifer Symonds is a proud member of Westview Centre4Women, Queenston Neighbours and the LEAN. She is committed to connecting with people and agencies she never thought she would have.

About Donna:
Donna Mills is a Health Promoter with Niagara Region Public Health, with a current focus on Priority Populations. She is excited to be part of this Tenfold podcast and sharing her highlights of the Living Experience Advisory Network with you.