Drawing on her personal journey with mental health challenges, Louisa Williams is ensuring patients' voices are central to the services provided by the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). As a dedicated peer worker, she is part of a growing team of lived-experience ambassadors who guide individuals through every stage of their care and treatment.
The Power of Shared Experience in Recovery
Louisa is one of more than 20 peer workers introduced through EPUT's Time to Care programme. This initiative focuses on delivering personalised, therapeutic care to support long-term recovery. Every peer worker has faced their own mental health struggles, and they use this background, combined with deep empathy, to support patients and champion their perspectives within the Trust's services.
Their role involves providing one-to-one and group support, facilitating activities, and working collaboratively with clinical teams to meet individual patient needs. Louisa is based within EPUT's secure services at Brockfield House in Wickford, which typically supports individuals aged 18 to 65 who are detained under the Mental Health Act or a Court Order.
"I was inspired to become a peer worker through my own experiences with mental health services," Louisa shared. "Having faced my own challenges, I understand what it's like to go through difficult times. I wanted to use that understanding to make a real difference for others."
Bridging the Gap Between Patients and Staff
With a background in psychology and personal experience as a young carer, Louisa combines academic insight with genuine compassion. "Being a carer taught me the importance of recovery and resilience," she said. "That experience, along with my studies, really propelled me toward supporting others in their recovery journeys."
In her daily work, Louisa forges therapeutic relationships through conversations, group sessions, and wellbeing activities like meditation and aerobics. "It's about more than just talking about trauma," she noted. "It's about helping people reconnect with everyday life and rediscover what makes them feel good."
Peer workers like Louisa are vital in making patients feel heard and understood. "I'm there to listen — whether it's about something that's happened on the ward, worries about home leave, or just everyday challenges. That shared understanding can be really powerful," she explained.
Advocacy and Collaboration at the Core
The role also involves enhancing communication between patients and clinical staff. Louisa can spend dedicated time with patients when other team members are busy, feeding back crucial information. She liaises with social workers on issues like housing or benefits and quickly alerts the team if a patient is triggered, ensuring they receive timely support.
Peer workers also attend ward rounds, offering reassurance and advocacy. "It can be intimidating to speak up in front of a room of doctors and psychologists," Louisa said. "Sometimes I'll sit with patients to support them or help communicate what they want to say. Just having someone beside them who understands can make all the difference."
Collaboration is fundamental. Louisa works closely with occupational therapists and psychologists on recovery-focused projects, such as a new Recovery Café initiative designed to foster social connection and wellbeing.
"It's a really rewarding role," she says. "I love the real, honest conversations and seeing people feel lighter after we talk. Human connection is everything."
