On Autistic Pride Day (Wednesday,18 June), Nub News is delighted to publish a feature highlighting the work of someone make a real difference in the South Essex community.

KIERAN Diver, Expert by Experience at Essex Partnership University NHS Trust (EPUT), explains why he's using his lived experience of autism and a learning disability to co-deliver training to NHS staff in Essex.

He's helping to ensure staff have the right skills and knowledge to provide the best person-centred care.

Kieran works with the Trust's training team to deliver the Oliver McGowan training on learning disability and autism across EPUT and Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System.

The mandatory training has been rolled out across the wider NHS and aims to save lives by ensuring the health and social care workforce have the right skills and knowledge to provide compassionate and informed care to autistic people, and people with a learning disability.

Kieran and EPUT's team of experts by experience play a vital role in supporting the delivery of the training. So far, more than 20 people with autism or a learning disability have joined the team.

Kieran said: "I signed up because I want to bring awareness of Oliver's story, as well as my own lived experience, and to encourage NHS staff to make the best adjustments possible for autistic people and those with a learning disability.

"I think that sharing my lived experience helps colleagues to treat each person as an individual, to support them to live the life they deserve and to fulfil their goals without judgement or bias, and helps to encourage a healthy happy environment.

"Years ago, it wasn't really a prevalent thing – bringing person-centred approaches into healthcare for people with learning disabilities and autism - and the fact that it's happening now is a special thing. It's an amazing thing to be a part of and honestly I wouldn't change this experience for the world."

EPUT is always looking for experts by experience to join the Trust to help ensure patients receive the best care.

Christine Cantello, Lived Experience Education Lead at EPUT said: "We're excited to be recruiting autistic people and people with a learning disability in the mid and south Essex area, to help deepen colleagues' understanding. Learning from those with lived experience is key to delivering safe and compassionate care.

"Anyone who joins us will help to deliver the training alongside qualified and supportive trainers, and you will be part of a welcoming network, given full training and will be paid for your time."