Lived experience is the knowledge people gain through their own lives.  This includes experiences of military service, transition to civilian life, injury or illness, recovery, caring for others, family life, and navigating support systems over time. 

For veterans and families of veterans, lived experience provides insights that cannot be captured by policy or data alone. It reflects the real impacts of service and transition, and the day-to-day realities people face. 

Everyone’s lived experience is different. Each person’s story, perspective and pathway is unique. 

What is lived expertise? 

Some people choose to use their lived experience to help improve systems, services and responses.  

When lived experience is combined with reflection, learning and practice, it can develop into lived expertise. 

Lived expertise may be used to: 

• share what supports work well and what does not 
• identify barriers to access, safety or trust 
• inform more responsive, inclusive and person‑centred approaches 
• support learning and improvement across services and systems 

Lived expertise is grounded in respect, self‑determination and empowerment. It recognises lived experience as a legitimate and valuable form of knowledge in its own right.  

Why this matters for wellbeing 

Wellbeing support is most effective when it reflects the voices and experiences of the people it is designed for. 

Recognising lived experience and lived expertise helps ensure that: 

• services respond to real needs 
• systems are clearer and easier to navigate 
• diverse perspectives are recognised and valued 
• improvements are shaped by those most affected 

This approach supports wellbeing that is practical, respectful and connected to community realities. 

Choice, safety and respect 

Sharing lived experience is always a personal choice. 

People may choose to: 

• share some parts of their story, or none at all 
• engage at different times or in different ways 
• use their experience privately or publicly 

Approaches that draw on lived experience prioritise: 

• psychological and cultural safety 
• respect and dignity 
• clear boundaries and informed consent 
• support without pressure or expectation 

There is no requirement to share lived experience to access support. 

A principle across the agency 

Lived experience and lived expertise are not treated as standalone activities or programs. 

They are guiding principles that shape how the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency: 

• listens to veterans and their families  
• improves information, services and pathways 
• strengthens the wellbeing system over time 

This ensures that support remains grounded in real experience, while respecting individual choice and the diversity of perspectives.