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Lived Experience Network
The Lived Experience Network (formerly the Family Advisory Network), was established in 2013, and includes over 130 patients, parents, caregivers, siblings and other community members who contribute their time, energy and lived experience to improve the design of care, research and education at SickKids.
The definitions below describe the types of Lived Experience Advisors that comprise the network:
- SickKids Advisor: a patient*, caregiver or family member**, who holds wisdom, knowledge and expertise based on their lived experience at SickKids.**
- Community Advisor: An individual with knowledge and expertise rooted in lived experience in their community, with valuable insights that inform and advance the work at SickKids.
* Age 12+. SickKids works with patients under 12 in emotionally safe, developmentally appropriate ways that are distinct from, but complimentary to, advisory work happening at SickKids, to ensure that the voices of younger patients inform our work.
** 'Family' is defined as the individuals to whom a patient is connected by deep bonds of love, care, support, and commitment, whether through biology, legal ties, or intentional choice.
Advisors can:
- Join hospital committees
- Provide input on research study design
- Contribute to projects that strive to improve patient and family experiences
- Assist in the recruitment and training of staff, trainees, and volunteers
- Co-design educational and informational materials
- ... and more!
There is no minimum time requirement to join the network. You can be as involved as your time, interest and capacity allow.
Get involved: Join the Lived Experience Network!
Any person who meets the criteria and is willing to complete the onboarding requirements may apply to join the Lived Experience Network. Once you've completed your application, a member of the Office of Engagement will reach out within two to five business days to connect with you.
If you need more information or would like to connect with a member of our team before applying, please email engagement@sickkids.ca.
Lived Experience Advisors have the opportunity to join committees and other groups:
Getting involved is easy. Submit your application by completing this form, and a member of our team will connect with you.
Prospective advisors may be: recruited by the Office of Engagement; self-referred; or referred by SickKids staff or another advisor.
As an advisor, you decide what works best for you. After you are onboarded, your contact information will be added to a distribution list so you can self-select opportunities and initiatives based on your availability and interest.
There is no given length of term for advisors who are onboarded to the Network. The Office is responsible for annual check-ins asking about your preferences for continued involvement; however, you can discuss and review your membership at any time.
Onboarding requirements can be split into two groups, depending on whether you are someone under, or over the age of 18.
No, SickKids Advisors are not volunteers. We feel advisors play a vital, but different role in the hospital to volunteers. The Office does their own onboarding of advisors and have their own set of requirements.
If you are interested in volunteering outside of advisory work, you can find more information on the Volunteer Opportunities page.
Yes, advisors participating in virtual versus in person activities each have different onboarding requirements. If you are an advisor who was onboarded for virtual activities but are interested in participating more in person, please contact The Office for guidance on the additional onboarding steps required.
Yes! Patients and siblings of patients are encouraged to apply to the Patient Advisory Council or Lived Experience Network at age 12+. The Office is committed to making space for patients, children and youth to share their voice and experience with SickKids.
Compensation allows us to recognize the value that people with lived experience bring to our work at SickKids. It is one way of showing respect and appreciation for an advisor’s time and expertise and ensures participating in engagement is as barrier-free and inclusive as possible.
The Office strives to advocate for recognition in the forms of honoraria, gift cards and/or volunteer hours; however, not all opportunities are paid. The Office aims to provide transparency around compensation in opportunity advertisements sent to the network.
As members of the Lived Experience Network, you will be added to a distribution list of advisors who will receive all engagement opportunities the Office has to offer. Specific criteria for participation will be included in each opportunity advertised so you can self-select which ones you would be interested in participating in given your lived experience, availability, interest, etc. Additional criteria will be included in these callouts outlining the expected commitment, selection criteria, participation timelines and potential compensation details.