Independent Futures is looking for new participants. We are currently recruiting adults with recent (within the last 3 years)  experience of using housing pathways  as well as young adults who recently transitioned from youth to adult services and women with history of domestic abuse. 

  Independent Futures (IF) is a group of people with personal lived experience of multiple disadvantage. IF members aim to empower clients and professionals in Bristol to make long term positive changes by sharing the learning from their own lived experiences. IF is now part of the Changing Futures programme. 

 IF members are given the opportunity to participate in discussions that will inform decisions on how services are delivered in Bristol. 

 If you are thinking about applying, please consider the following 

 Responsibilities 

• To represent the interests of service users when facing organisations, using the knowledge of your own lived experience of going through services and/or being in recovery. 
• Helping providers developing better services with your suggestions. 
• Offer positive role models and advocate for the value of Lived Experience (LE). 

 Essential requirements 

• Be fluent in English. 
• Have own access to internet and possess basic IT skills (training will be provided on managing emails and e-calendars and accessing websites).  
• Be able to build relationships and get along with others. 
• Be willing to learn new skills (training and supervision are provided). 
• Be punctual and have good communication skills. 

 Rewards 

• The opportunity to engage with services at a high level and influence the way they work.
• Transformation of past experiences (from something negative to something constructive). 
• Support your wellbeing, skilling up and increasing your confidence. 
• Help creating better opportunities for others. 
• Get paid £9.90ph minimum (except induction training and initial chat) Get advice on whether it affects your benefits. Have travel expenses refunded.