LIFE stands for ‘Lived Insights from Experience’ and is an independent lived experience network.
Our definition of multiple complex needs (and ‘lived experience’ within that context) are those who have a personal understanding and direct experience of a combination of the following:
These issues not only impact the lives of those experiencing them, but those with multiple complex needs also find it more difficult to engage with services due to a total lack of systemic flex. We, as a society, rely on services, which should understand the breadth of the challenges being faced by individuals, and should offer co-ordinated support.
It’s just not right that this failure to respond appropriately to need, leads people into further social exclusion and locked-out of services. Many people end up falling through the cracks or find their experience with services deepens their problems.