Matthew Kidd, Lived Experience and Co-Production Lead
Matthew is a lived experience leader, engagement specialist and social entrepreneur who is passionate about ensuring that people with firsthand experience of adversity have a meaningful voice in shaping the services, systems and decisions that affect their lives. Drawing on both lived and professional experience, Matthew has spent more than fifteen years helping organisations work more effectively alongside people facing marginalisation, particularly those affected by substance misuse, homelessness, criminal justice involvement and social exclusion.
Matthew’s journey began following his own recovery from substance misuse, after leaving treatment services in 2009. Since then, he has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for people with lived experience to influence change at both an individual and strategic level. As a founder member of the UK Recovery Academy, he helped pioneer approaches that recognised the value of lived experience as a source of insight, leadership and innovation.
Throughout his career, Matthew has established and developed a range of peer-led and community-based initiatives designed to support recovery, resilience and inclusion. His work has included developing peer mentoring services, family support programmes, recovery hubs, advocacy services and initiatives supporting people involved in the criminal justice system. A consistent thread throughout his work has been a commitment to ensuring that services are designed with people, rather than for them.
Matthew works as a trusted critical friend, facilitator and learning partner to organisations seeking to strengthen participation, co-production and lived experience leadership. He has supported local authorities, housing providers, health organisations, charitable foundations and community partnerships to better listen to, understand and respond to the people they serve. His ability to bridge the gap between strategic decision-makers, practitioners and communities enables more authentic dialogue, stronger relationships and more effective change.
Matthew is recognised for his skill in creating environments where different perspectives can come together constructively. He understands the realities of lived experience alongside the complexities of organisational and system leadership, making him uniquely placed to help organisations navigate difficult conversations, challenge assumptions and design more inclusive approaches to change.
Known for his authenticity, empathy and commitment to social justice, Matthew brings credibility, insight and practical experience to every partnership he supports. Whether facilitating engagement, developing peer-led approaches, advising on service design or supporting organisations to embed co-production, he believes lasting change happens when people closest to the challenges are at the heart of creating the solutions.
