Children and Young People's Neurodevelopment Support Fund 2026-2027: supporting guidance

The role of lived experience

Under Article 12 of the UNCRC, every child has the right to be heard in matters affecting them. A rights-based approach should be taken to the design, delivery and evaluation of these supports which should be developed and co-produced with children, young people and their families, who should be involved as early as possible and going forward to ensure that local needs and priorities are identified and continue to be reflected. There should also be appropriate consideration of how stigma and discrimination can be addressed in the design of the supports and services.

Lived experience can add significant value across approaches to neurodevelopmental support including via peer support or contributions to professional training. Consideration should be given to where lived experience expertise adds value to the local offer.