My name is Clive and I am the Community Liaison and Engagement officer for the Kent and Medway Wheelchair Service. I have been a full-time wheelchair user for over 35 years, resulting in a lifetime of lived experience. This gives me a level of understanding and empathy that only someone who has been there can contribute.

From the initial design and implementation through to operational management, the CLEO serves as a bridge between the service users and the organisation, guaranteeing that the services provided are continually shaped and improved by the experiences and insights of those they serve.  This approach reflects a modern, user-centred model of service delivery that values and prioritises the voice of the disability community. Some of the activities I support include:

• Helping Service Users and carers understand what other disability and health support they can access.
• Connecting with and working alongside other Health & Social Care providers to tackle issues with multiple facets.
• Coordinating out Wheelchair User Forums.  
• Exploring and promoting local services and charitable initiatives that benefit our Service Users.
• Updating our Service Users on our latest news and developments.  
• Support case progress when needed, helping resolve issues when they occur.
• Signpost to possible funding support for those exploring Personal Wheelchair Budget options. 

We recognise that incorporating Service User insight is vital for continually improving patient experience.  My priority is to drive improvement by involving users in a co-productive process and gathering users' views of how the service can better meet the needs of users, their families, and carers.