ERG Annual Report 2022-23

#WeAreSurvivors

ERG ANNUAL REPORT

2022-23

WHAT IS THE ERG?

THE EXPERT REFERENCE GROUP (ERG) are a group survivors that exercise their voices as ‘experts in survivorship’. No matter whether it be critiquing policymaking, to publishing statements, attending public events, or helping to steer We Are Survivors as a charitable organisation, they speak as survivors and with survivors in mind.

Aside from seven general meetings held at WAS’s office, the ERG have been busy over the course of the last financial year. As experts, they have been consulted by many client-facing staff, and they have worked to provide valuable insight and criticism for executive staff. They have also worked tirelessly to have their voices heard beyond WAS’ office walls, whether it be at places of work, conferences, or over social media.

A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL

A STATEMENT IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE TRANS AND NON-BINARY COMMUNITY

THE ERG WAS IMMENSELY PROUD to write and publish a statement in August 2022, standing in solidarity with all our trans brothers, sisters, and non-binary comrades in condemning the irresponsible misuse of the terms ‘groomer’ and ‘paedophile’ by the media, conspiracy theorists, and far-right organisations in describing trans, drag and other queer peoples. The ERG view this as a contributory factor in the sharp increase in hate crimes committed against the LGBTQIA+ community year on year, and is a cruel and hurtful abuse of words that cuts deep into the hearts of all survivors. The ERG spoke up and we couldn’t be more pleased that WAS gave us space on their social media platforms for our collective voice to be heard.

MICHAEL WAS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE ERG , he had the biggest heart, and fought for those who needed the most support, and his voice was loudest for those who couldn’t be heard. The loss of Michael will forever be felt by us, he was the epitome of a Survivor, and his warmth, his infectious personality, and his huge hugs will be missed by everyone. He was so well loved by everyone who knew him, his friends, family, fiancée and his daughter, the respect and love everyone had for Michael was unique. He was passionate about supporting men in prison, and was working with the OUT Spoken team to help develop peer-to-peer support groups for men in prison. Michael will be missed greatly, but the affect he had on all of us means he lives on.

ERG AT THE PILOT LIGHTERS PROGRAMME IN LONDON

IN DECEMBER 2022, Christopher and Gary visited London with Duncan, Chris, Jamie, and Gayna for the final Pilot Lighters Programme session. It was great to be invited to attend this event, and it was reassuring (yet not at all surprising) to hear a room full of industry leaders, a.k.a. the ‘Pilot Lighters’, speak so highly of WAS as an organisation. They were particularly impressed that WAS’s leadership listened to every presented recommendation and were fully open to make changes towards helping the organisation. The Pilot Lighters assured us that we were a ‘rare find’. A brilliant day was had by all!

BARONESS BEVERLY HUGHES TALKS WITH OUR EXPERTS

IN MAY 2022, BARONESS BEVERLEY HUGHES visited the main office, meeting the amazing staff team at WAS, with the incredible ERG. The Baroness had this to say: “It was very good indeed to meet the members of the ERG, to hear what they had to say, and their stories. They are a great group of people who clearly have much to give to Survivors Manchester. The model you are evolving there is very strong and principled in the best way, making a reality of being user-led. Your support and active participation in the progress we are trying to make in GM is crucial and thanks to you all.

SYMPOSIUM: THE ERG TOOK THE STAGE

IN JANUARY 2023, Survivors Manchester, shortly before becoming We Are Survivors, hosted a Symposium at the Museum of Science and Industry. When the ERG took to the stage to talk about their survivorship, key figures from across the charity, health, and policing sectors, as well as the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, heard and applauded their achievements.

SPEAKING AT THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS

HAVING MOVED JOBS within the Government Department of Work and Pensions, John didn’t want his survivorship to remain a secret. In November 2022, he joined an all-colleague call, with up to 8,800 listeners, to talk about his survivorship, who WAS are, and what the organisation had helped John to achieve. Since then, John has spoken to and supported a number of colleagues of all genders and backgrounds, and signposting many to relevant organisations who he hopes will help them the way WAS still help him to this day.