Rethinking ‘Lived Experience’: Moving Beyond the Buzzword
‘Lived experience’ has become one of those ‘buzzwords’ of today’s world. As an organisation dedicated to helping refugees and people seeking asylum integrate into local churches and communities, we are often asked how we incorporate ‘lived experience’ into our work - and how we embed it into the very DNA of our charity.
At Welcome Churches, we are proud of the breadth of experience within our team. Among our trustees, two come from countries where many refugees in the UK originate - Syria and Afghanistan. Within our staff team of nine, four have first-hand experience of migrating to the UK - two from Hong Kong, one from Iran, and one from Sudan (via Finland!). Over the years, we have also welcomed many interns and staff members from diverse migration backgrounds, including those with direct refugee experience.
Recently, our team reflected on how we describe our experiences in ways that both honour our expertise and uphold the dignity of our colleagues. These discussions were insightful, and we wanted to share some key takeaways with others engaging in similar conversations.
‘Lived experience’ - of what, exactly?
Our team is often invited to contribute because of our ‘lived experience’. But it often isn’t clear what kind of experience is being requested. Going through the UK asylum system? Living in a particular town or city? Migrating to the UK? Coming from a specific country? Representing a certain demographic? Too often, ‘lived experience’ is used vaguely, without specifying what aspect is being highlighted. We suggest always clarifying: ‘Lived experience of…’ rather than using the term in isolation.
We are more than our past
While our past experiences shape who we are, they do not define us entirely. Our identities also include where we live now, the work we do, the communities we engage with, the interests we pursue… and so much more! Acknowledging our past is important, but so is recognising the full and evolving picture of who we are today.
Every story is unique
Personal stories can inspire and encourage, but they can also trigger painful memories for others. We celebrate the resilience and triumphs of those we work with, yet we remain mindful that storytelling should always be approached with sensitivity, being particularly mindful of the audience we are speaking to. Our goal is not just to share experiences but to build connection, understanding, and a deeper love for one another.
Clarity through legal definitions
In our discussions, we found that terms like ‘refugee’ or ‘from a refugee background’ are the most precise, as refugee status is a legally recognised definition under international law. In contrast, less defined or trendy terms can create confusion, misunderstanding or unintended assumptions. That said, we prefer using ‘people seeking asylum’ rather than ‘asylum seekers’ to avoid the negative connotations often attached to the latter and to emphasise the humanity of those involved.
Do we seek lived experience, or expertise?
The experiences we carry contribute significantly to our expertise - but lived experience alone should not be the sole reason for being consulted or given a platform. At Welcome Churches, our expertise includes cross-cultural integration, training, trauma navigation, and rebuilding life in a new country. Our experiences inform this expertise, but they are also shaped by education, ongoing learning, and engagement with other specialists.
The call to ‘Learn to Learn’
Ultimately, we want to cultivate a culture of intentional learning - one that considers not just who we listen to, but why. While diverse experiences are valuable, we should seek to learn from the wisdom of those who have forged their experiences into genuine expertise. By doing so, we create space for a deeper understanding that sparks a real shift in how we work together.
At Welcome Churches, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for refugees and people seeking asylum. Your support makes this possible. If you, like us, believe in the power of learning from lived experiences and fostering genuine expertise, consider partnering with us. Your donation helps us continue our work of integration, advocacy, and community-building.
Donate today and be a part of creating lasting change.