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Earlier in 2025, Blue Cabin appointed four Care Experienced Consultants, who help improve, challenge, shape and strengthen the work we do. One of the team, Jane McPhail, shares an insight into her work so far.
It’s an opportunity for lived experience voices to be heard – and not just heard, but acted on and integrated into Blue Cabin’s work. This role empowers me to channel my lived experience into change, growth and influence. I am able to use my knowledge and skill set to help mould some of the wonderful work that Blue Cabin does and this is such a huge privilege for me. It makes me feel like all of the experiences I’ve had – some of which haven’t been easy – can now be harnessed to leave a positive footprint via Blue Cabin.
I’ve known of Blue Cabin for a while, through my professional involvement in life story work. Blue Cabin has a fabulous reputation as a charity that values the voices of care-experienced people and champions their abilities to create change. I’ve always loved the creative scope that is at the forefront of Blue Cabin’s work, as this is a characteristic that is very important to me! This made me feel like Blue Cabin would be a lovely place for me to join and work alongside.
Empowered – Blue Cabin have offered me an array of opportunities to utilise my skills and empower my voice. I have felt as if my colleagues want to hear my views and champion who I am as a person.
Connected – The connections I have made at and through Blue Cabin have been so powerful! From networking events to monthly catch ups, I have felt heard, seen and connected. Human connections are the foundation of post traumatic growth, and Blue Cabin have certainly helped towards my healing.
Valued – Blue Cabin have always communicated their appreciation of my contributions and that has made me feel incredibly valued, as a Care Experienced Consultant and as a human. I have personally experienced a lot of difficulties since starting this role and the team have consistently checked in and supported me throughout. This makes me feel certain about my worth and value within the organisation.
I definitely feel I’ve been able to help improve, challenge, shape and strengthen the work Blue Cabin does!
I’ve been given the platform to share my voice and my experience in connection with Blue Cabin’s work. For example, at the Esmee Fairbairn Leaving care Day in Manchester, I was asked to use my lived experience to inform different professionals and their organisations about how to be inclusive of care-experienced employees. It was a totally new experience for me, to be asked (with enthusiasm) about what differences and changes I would like to see based on my lived experience! It made me feel like my voice was important and that as a human, my trauma was worth the after care.
I hope to keep being involved in new opportunities, like writing this blog, to help shout from the rooftops how important this role is and the impact it can make!
I think this role makes a huge difference. For a charity, I think it speaks volumes about the attitudes and priorities of the organisation. It demonstrates a dedication to promoting the voice of lived experience and using it to influence the direction of the charity. It doesn’t just tick a box – it provides proof of action and involvement. It actively encourages the participation of care-experienced people, which totally aligns with the values that Blue Cabin shows every day.
Thank you Jane for sharing your experience of being part of the Blue Cabin team!
Meet Jane and her colleagues>>
What is a Care Experienced Consultant? Find out more here>>
