LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY BOARD (LEAB)
The ASPIRE study will be supported by a Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) operating in collaboration with GAMIAN-Europe and South African Depression and Anxiety Group - both partners in this project. The LEAB will be necessary to explore the views of People with Lived Experience (PWLE) on depression and inflammation.
Promise Adetoro - Nigeria
Natascha Coffman - Germany
Illana Cook - South Africa
Christina Patsourakou - United Kingdom
Anathi Mtengwane - South Africa
Falk Schuster - Germany
Rafal Bukowski - Poland
Helene van Gorsel - The Netherlands
Lisa Willems - Belgium
Meet our team
At the heart of our impactful research lies the collaboration, insight, and dedication of our people advisory board. This space is dedicated to highlighting their voices - their experiences, reflections, and perspectives on the work we do together.
“I’m grateful to be part of this important study.
What stands out to me is the thoughtful and inclusive approach: people with lived experience are not only consulted, but actively involved throughout the entire process—as part of the advisory board and the working groups.
I really appreciate that the study doesn’t just focus on medical treatments, but also looks at important topics like communication and stigma. These issues have a big impact on how people experience illness and care, and it means a lot that we as people with lived experience can share our perspectives on them.
After years of feeling overlooked in healthcare systems, being part of this project makes me feel that my experience matters—and that it can make a difference for others.
To me, this project is about giving people something I wish I had: hope, support, and the feeling that their situation is truly understood.”
Natascha Coffman