Hi, I'm Jack Smith.
I'm an expert by experience who's lived through the systems you work in - care, mental health, justice, education.
I help organisations understand what it's really like from the inside.
What I Can Do For You
Training & Workshops
Using my unique journey through life to shape my work, I have developed bespoke training for those working within the sectors I have lived experience of.
My training sessions are designed to give you an insight into what its like going through these systems from a expert by experience perspective, sharing my life story in detail, going through the good, the bad and the ugly, with my matured-like-fine-wine reflective views on what worked well, what could have been done better and to inspire you to deliver fantastic care, education, fair justice and opportunities and a chance at a decent life, for someone with a similar background to me, within the system today.
All my sessions are bespoke and can be tailored to your organisations needs but you’ll find my areas of expertise further down the page.
Research & Co-design
I bring lived experience expertise to research projects, working as a co-researcher to ensure authentic representation and meaningful outcomes. I'm passionate about putting lived experience research at the forefront.
Public Speaking
I have been a public speaker from about the age of 19, just in time for when my voice broke. Not entirely sure if that was an improvement 😜
I am a confident, charismatic, cheeky, cheery, comedic communicator with a passion for public speaking.
I speak on the topics that are important for me, some shaped by the unique life experiences and expertise I have and others from a position and platform for things I care about. From sharing my life story to sharing a few laughs and occasional tears, I am available for public speaking and endeavour to share an authentic message with your audience.
Consultancy & Service Design
I work with organisations to shape services and systems, using my experience to help make things the best they possibly can be for people with similar backgrounds to mine. It's all part of my wider goal of being the change I want to see in the world.
Media Features
Media Features
Personal Essays
Areas of Expertise
Care System & Care Leaving
I've lived it from age 4 to 18, from foster care to residential care, and know what it's really like navigating these systems and transitioning to independence.
Mental Health, Neurodivergence & Autism
Through my own journey with an autism diagnosis and a bipolar diagnosis and over 2 years in hospital both as an adolescent and young adult/young care leaver, I understand both the challenges and what actually helps in mental health support.
Justice System
I have lived experience with the justice system and have worked extensively with youth justice services and understand how the system impacts young people and their families.
Education
From missing education due to mental health to attending specialist schools and mainstream college, I know the barriers and what makes the difference.
LGBTQ+ Support
I bring personal understanding of what it means to navigate services and society as an LGBTQ+ person.
Employment Pathways
From leaving care with limited qualifications to building a career, I understand the real challenges of getting into work and what support actually works.
“Jack delivered some excellent training for our team. Having grown up within the care system himself, he spoke with real authenticity and insight, which made the training more powerful and relatable. He was engaging and knowledgeable.
Our staff came away feeling more confident and equipped. The session was highly enjoyable and relevant to our work.”
"Having worked with Jack for several years, I have seen first-hand the unique set of skills and knowledge that he demonstrates throughout all areas of his work.
Jack's life experiences have helped him play a pivotal part in our research. This has included as a co-researcher and as consultant on studies in complex and sensitive areas, and his contributions have reliably been a huge asset. He offers outstanding insights and ideas when thinking through specific questions, also holding in mind the overall aims and objectives of the project.
Jack combines humour and seriousness into a blend that compliments his contributions. He is genuinely a pleasure to work with."
Professor Robbie Duschinsky
