Alike exists because of the power of our community and the value of lived experience. We don’t treat personal stories like marketing assets. They’re real and raw experiences shared with generosity and courage. And we don’t take that for granted — we give something back.
When we invite people to share their experience of cancer to help promote or represent Alike, we pay them. Not with exposure. Not with a thank you card. With real compensation.
Because lived experience is expertise, and expertise deserves to be paid for. We don’t expect professionals to give their time for free, and we won’t expect it from the cancer community either.
In line with policies like the NHS PPV (Public Participation) payment system, we offer:
These rates are designed to cover out-of-pocket expenses. We know it’s not life-changing money — no shopping hauls or trips to the Med — but it’s a start. We’ll continue reviewing this as our income and budget increase. For now, it’s one way we recognise the emotional and practical labour involved in showing up and speaking openly and honestly.
This isn’t a token gesture. It’s part of our commitment to doing things differently. We value the people at the heart of our mission in every sense of the word.
The important bits:
Alike management decides which activities fall under this principle.
We also fairly determine what counts as a “full” or “half” day contribution.
It’s the recipient's responsibility to declare this income to HMRC.
Receiving a VLE payment doesn’t classify someone as an employee, contractor, or agent of Alike.