21. Cristina Serrão - Lived Experience Ambassador

Today I am talking to #LadyLXA. Cristina Serrão,  host of Lemonade Radio,. Cristina pushes the boundaries and uses lived experience to drive positive change. Expect the unexpected from this energy-packed, inspirational podcast guest. Cristina is in the Shaw Trust Power 100 and a fantastic role model, raising the profile of disabled people. Cristina  shares some of her personal  challenges, and some of the special people who have helped her along the way. Cristina has a very, how shall I say, colourful past, and she always adds colour wherever she goes. She works as a  Lived Experience Ambassador. And when I say works, I really mean lives and breathes. Cristina brings people with lived experience together in order amplify the voices of others, especially those who might not otherwise have a voice. She helps people have fun and a better quality of life.  Cristina is a real mover and shaker. She is  passionate about co-production and takes everyone with her. She is inclusive and human and makes me laugh, always pushing the boundaries and working towards positive change.Lemon lightbulbs 🍋💡🍋Let’s build a world beyond stigma, where people are free to show vulnerability, speak out and connect as human beingsWhy does it take a life changing accident, serious disease or a global pandemic to see what matters in life?Listen to people with lived experience. Some lived experiences are very hard to talk aboutFeeling alone and desperate. Talking about it can aid recoveryWhen talking about lived experience, focus on relevance in terms of helping othersYou are very lucky if you can bring your whole self to work – and you do a much better job!The 'lived experience partners'. A movement, rather than trying to do things aloneOur shared networks – how powerful they are – a network of networksSharing lived experiences can help people relax and work together for positive changeWorking from home opens new opportunities for disabled peopleLet’s trust people!Have fun! Don’t take yourself too seriouslyFinding creative outlets can help mental health and recovery – Lemonade Radio helps Cristina sleep!Thank you to those who have believed in us! Special peopleWe appreciate those who have gone before, ... and our partners who support our crazinessStay away from the energy vampires, the hoovers …Serious illness puts things in perspective. Life is short. Go with the flow!And today, we have something superduper zesty. The launch of Lemonade Radio. lemonade.radioWe LOVE it when you leave a review!If you enjoy my podcast and find these conversations usefulplease  share your thoughts by leaving a review (Spotify or Apple are easiest to leave a review - navigate via 3 dots) and comment on your favourite episodes.Connect with me - Gill Phillips - on LinkedIn, especially if you are interested in our brand new #CYPWhoseShoes resources or our well-established #MatExp (maternity experience) work.I tweet (not so much these days!) as @WhoseShoes  and am on Instagram as @WhoseShoesUK and @WildCardWS.Please recommend 'Wild Card - Whose Shoes' to others who enjoy hearing passionate people talk about their experiences of improving health care.