Benefits of developing long-term relationships between trainee nursing associates and mental health experts by experience

Stigma around mental illness persists in healthcare practice and education. This article details a project undertaken to develop long-term relationships and facilitate learning between trainee nursing associates and mental health experts by experience (EBEs). The project was evaluated using questionnaires and feedback from the students and EBEs involved. The relationships that developed between students and EBEs had many positive implications for students’ future practice, with benefits including enhanced understanding of person-centred care, the importance and development of communication skills, holistic views of long-term conditions and increased motivation for undertaking a nursing role. The project also had benefits for the EBEs, such as reciprocal learning opportunities, employment experiences and improved health and well-being. The authors suggest that instead of didactic or one-off encounters with EBEs in education settings, long-term EBE involvement should be implemented. This could help to achieve sustainable reductions in the stigma around mental health and increase students’ knowledge of mental health, mental illness and recovery.