What does it mean to turn lived experience into a voice for change? | Simon Stones

In this episode of PsA HQs 'Voices Making a Difference' podcast series, Mel Brooke catches up with Simon Stones, a long-standing patient partner, advocate and friend, to explore his journey from living with a chronic condition to influencing healthcare, research and patient engagement. Simon Stones shares insights from his work as a patient advocate and his experiences of working alongside researchers, healthcare professionals and organisations to ensure that the voices of people living with health conditions are heard and valued. We reflect on the importance of lived experience, the evolving role of patient partners, and how meaningful collaboration can help make a difference to research and healthcare. Simon is a patient advocate and global patient engagement leader, working across healthcare, medical communications and research. He has contributed to advancing patient involvement and collaboration internationally, including through his work with EULAR PARE. 'Voices Making a Difference' is a PsA HQ podcast series celebrating people who use their experiences of musculoskeletal or chronic conditions to make a difference - through advocacy, research, writing, community support and more. Because lived experience doesn't just tell a story — it can drive real change. PsA HQ is an independent patient-led initiative sharing experiences, information and conversations around psoriatic arthritis, chronic illness and the wider patient experience. Find PsA HQ: https://linktr.ee/PsA_HQ