OPPORTUNITIES FOR USING (Y)OUR LIVED EXPERIENCE FOR CHANGE

HAVE A SAY & GET ACTIVE + SPACES & PLACES WHERE PEOPLE WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE CONNECT OR LEARN

Representative & Development Opportunities:

Contribute via Surveys and Research:

[SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND IDEAS]: Food Insecurity with the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS)

 

SACOSS is leading a project funded by the State Government, that’ll be speaking to people experiencing food insecurity – people struggling to access food that’s affordable, nutritious, and suitable for them – about what kinds of actions – from governments, charities, and other organisations out in the community – would make it easier for them to obtain the food they need.

This project’s an opportunity for people directly impacted by food insecurity to not only share their experiences, but share their ideas and insights about what policies and programs – whether at a federal, state, or local level – would make a positive difference for them.

There’ll be a series of group conversations, throughout April, May, and June. Participants will receive a $40 gift card, for being part of a conversation on food insecurity, and where needed, a $25 travel reimbursement, and where possible, these sessions will be catered.

For more information, email Pas Forgione at pas@sacoss.org.au or call 0402681352

[WORKING GROUPS]: With NALHN Forensic Mental Health Services

NALHN is seeking people with lived experience in mental health to participate on the Forensic Mental Health Services Implementation Project Working Groups.

They are also seeking Aboriginal people to provide representation, lived experience in mental health or as a carer of someone who has a mental health condition.

NAHLN are seeking Lived Experience Representatives to nominate to be involved in one of six Working Groups that will assist the implementation of recommendations from the Forensic Mental Health Service review. Nominations are sought as soon as possible, ideally via the nomination form link or alternatively they can be contacted via email:  Health.NALHNFMHSReviewImplementationProject@sa.gov.au

Nominees will be paid for their attendance at these meetings in line with the SA Health Sitting Fees and Reimbursement for External Individuals Policy. The time required is initially 1 hour per month, likely for 12 months. The exact time of each meeting differs but most are held on a Monday afternoon. 

[COMMITTEE MEMBER]: The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

Expressions of interest for the community member positions to join The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Community Collaboration Committee (CCC) are now welcome.

Are you a person who would like to use your acquired lived experience expertise to positively influence the policy and practices of psychiatric care in Australia or New Zealand? If so, the RANZCP invite you to bring your unique perspective and lived experience expertise to the RANZCP Community Collaboration Committee.

For more information and to apply, click here.

[SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS]: Experience with Homelessness and Housing Services in South Australia with SYC

Have your say about renting and housing challenges in SA

Have you experienced housing insecurity or homelessness in the last five years? Would you like the opportunity to share your lived experience of accessing SA’s current housing and homelessness systems and contribute to the housing and homelessness reform? SYC want to hear from people willing to share their housing challenges (particularly with renting) and discuss what can be done to make things better.
There are opportunities to participate in different ways including interviews, focus groups and reference groups. If you participate you will receive a gift card to reimburse you for your time and contribution.

Register your interest here.

[REPORT]: Report a Media Item to StigmaWatch with SANE

If you find media coverage that stigmatises mental ill health or irresponsibly reports suicide, you can report the item to StigmaWatch.

Anyone can report a media item to StigmaWatch. If the coverage is found to breach media reporting guidelines, StigmaWatch will contact the media outlet involved with constructive feedback and advice.

They also want to hear about positive media stories of mental ill health, suicide and AOD. These are stories that can reduce potential harm and enhance community understanding about the issues.

Find the Mindframe media reporting guidelines here.

Click here to access the StigmaWatch criteria.

Click here to report a media item to Stigma Watch.

[GET INVOLVED]: Represent people with a disability With JFA Purple Orange

JFA Purple Orange are making a database of people who would like to be contacted by Purple Orange when there is an opportunity to get involved in their work. This usually takes 1-2 hours and you may be paid for your time. They sometimes also have opportunities for people to tell their stories through social media. If you would like to be in this database, please fill out this short survey about your interests and availability: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SupportingPurpleOrange

[SURVEY] Help Seeking for Self-harm in Young People with the University of the Sunshine Coast

This project aims to investigate the facilitators and barriers to help-seeking for self-harm in young people by taking a systems thinking perspective to this issue.

We invite you to participate in this research project by completing an anonymous online survey. The online survey includes questions about your demographic background and your (personal or professional) experiences with help-seeking for self-harm in young people.

The survey will take approximately 30-40 minutes to complete and you will be compensated $20 for your time.

For more information and to take part, click here.

 

[EVALUATE]: Supporting Voice Hearers

Do you work with people who hear voices? The University of Sydney invite you to be part of a research study to help us evaluate a set of online resources to help mental health workers to support voice-hearers using an evidence-based voice hearing approach.

You are eligible if you are a mental health worker (e.g., clinician, support worker peer worker, psychiatrist) who works with voice-hearers. Participating in the study involves less than 3 hours of your time spread over an 8 week period. It includes you going through the online resources (2 hours) and doing three questionnaires (5-20 minutes each). You will be randomised to receive the resources immediately (after doing the first questionnaire) or in 4 weeks’ time (after the doing the second questionnaire).

For more information or to volunteer for the study:
Contact Dr Anne Honey atanne.honey@sydney.edu.au
Read the Participant Information Statement available at the link below
https://t.ly/eiDgc

 

[SURVEY]: Self Compassion, Resilience, and Burnout in Peer Support Workers with the Australian College of Applied Professions

Peer support workers’ roles are similar to other mental health professionals and they are just as susceptible to burnout. However, they experience more challenges in the workplace.

This research will help us understand if, like other mental health professionals, self-compassion and resilience help to protect peer support workers against burnout. Findings will also help to inform the future needs of the peer support workforce.

The study involves completing a survey if you are currently employed as a peer support worker in Australia.

For more information and to take the survey click here.

[RESEARCH]: Lived Experiences of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders in Australia, Victoria University

Victoria University would like to hear from adults (18+) with a lived experience of OCD, hoarding, compulsive hair puling/skin picking or body dysmorphia to better understand if and how other people treat you differently because of your mental health. It is hoped that this research will help shine a light on what it’s like to live with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in Australia, and guide anti-stigma practices in health and mental healthcare settings, workplaces, in the media, online, and in personal relationships.

What’s involved?

  • You will be asked to complete a confidential online survey at a time and place that’s convenient to you. You will be asked questions about:
  • Your demographic information
  • Your obsessive-compulsive and other related symptoms
  • How other people treat you (both positively and negatively) because of your lived experience of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
  • Your own and other’s attitudes towards people living with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders

Questions about stigma will cover a range of important areas of life – your relationships with friends and family, employment, treatment in health and mental healthcare services, and what you’ve seen in social media and mass media.

For more information, contact lead researcher, Dr Imogen Rehm: imogen.rehm@vu.edu.au

Find more information and access the survey here.

[SURVEY]: The Co-Creating Safe Spaces Project with the Australian National University

The Co-Creating Safe Spaces project is led by A/Prof Michelle Banfield and a team of lived experience researchers based at The Australian National University. They are evaluating safe spaces and safe havens in Australia in collaboration with services and communities. The project is funded by a grant from Suicide Prevention Australia.

As a part of their research, they are seeking people from the community to fill in our anonymous online survey, to share their insights on services and support for people experiencing emotional distress and/or suicidal crisis. Anyone over 16 years is welcome to contribute, whether or not they have heard about or used safe spaces.

The survey is open to anyone aged 16 years or over. Whether you have personal experience, have supported someone in distress, or simply wish to contribute, they welcome your input!

For more information and to access the survey, click here

[RESEARCH]: Investigating the Experiences of Providing Mental Health Peer-support in Australia with the Victoria University

Do you provide peer-support to Australians living with mental health issues or accessing mental healthcare services? If so, researchers from Victoria University would like to hear from you about the benefits and challenges you face in this important work. This research aims to better understand how workplace factors, and other factors like self-stigma and personal recovery, might contribute to the job satisfaction and quality of life of Australia’s mental health peer-support workforce.

What’s involved?

You will be asked to complete a confidential online survey at a time and place that’s convenient to you. The survey should take ~30 minutes to complete. You will be asked questions about your:

  • ·Demographic information
  • ·The benefits and challenges of your role as a peer-supporter
  • ·Job satisfaction and quality of life
  • ·Experiences with self-stigma and mental health recovery
  • You are eligible to participate in this research if you are:
  • ·Aged 18+
  • ·Have worked as a mental health peer-supporter in Australia during the past 12 months (paid or voluntary roles)
  • ·Have a lived experience of mental health issues, psychological distress, mental health service use, and/or recovery

To learn more, click on this link or contact Rachel Sherlock: rachel.sherlock1@vu.edu.au

Lived Experience Job Opportunities:

[YOUTH PEER PRACTITIONER]: Sonder, Adelaide

About the Role:

The Youth Peer Practitioner at headspace Adelaide leverages personal experience with mental illness to provide culturally safe support to young people and their families. They lead the development of youth groups, professional development, and initiatives to enhance safety and inclusion in mental health services. Collaborating with headspace staff, they advocate for and implement activities that improve the delivery of primary mental health care for young individuals.

 

Experience Requirements:

  • Demonstrated experience working within a fast-paced environment; 
  • Personal experience of being a consumer accessing mental health services
  • Understanding of public and private mental health systems.
  • Understanding of recovery and strength based practice for Peer Workers. 

Qualification and Other Requirements:

  • Certificate IV in Mental Health / Peer Work or equivalent
  • Current or willing to obtain a Working with Children’s Check (WWCC)
  • Knowledge and experience in using the Microsoft suite of software and databases 

Sonder are committed to supporting individuals to reach qualifications required for this role and can discuss the incumbent working towards the certificate rather than already achieved. 

 

For more information and to apply, click here. 

[PEER WORKER]: UnitingSA, Adelaide, applications close Tuesday 30 April

Role Overview:

Join UnitingSA in delivering exceptional care as a Mental Health Worker! They currently have multiple positions available across the Northern & Southern Suburbs.

Work in supporting people experiencing mental health challenges to provide support to navigate NDIS, engagement with carer supports, working collaboratively with clinical care teams as relevant.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide a range of goal-oriented support services that enable consumers to achieve their goals.
  • Work with consumers to develop and achieve individual plans and goals.
  • Observe and report on consumer’s health and wellbeing concerns.
  • Assist clients/team to review consumer support plan goals.
  • Provide respectful support, when needed, around individual health issues.
  • Plan and action time effectively to meet UnitingSA program and consumer needs.

For more information and to apply, click here. 

Learning Opportunities:

Spaces and Places to Connect:

[E-LEARNING]: Foundations of lived experience advocacy, leadership and governance

Free online learning modules for people who want to use their lived experience to inform decision making and influence change in the mental health and social services sector.

For more information, click here. 

[CERTIFICATE IV IN MENTAL HEALTH PEER WORK]: Opportunity to study in Murray Bridge with Centacare

 

CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer work supports people with lived experience to enter the workforce, draw on their own life-changing experience, service use and their journey of recovery and healing, to support others. This qualification is suitable for those already employed in lived experience roles, and those who are brand new to the field.

Centacare’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO, provider number 1004) will be delivering this nationally recognised qualification in Murray Bridge, in April 2024. Communities in Mt Barker and Murray Bridge are strongly encouraged to apply.

This qualification is funded by Country PHN and supported by Mental Health Coalition of SA, and their Lived Experience Workforce Program (LEWP).

To complete an expression of interest, click here. 

[E-LEARNING]: Being eLearning Hub

BEING offers a series of free and fee-for service e-learning courses developed to enhance the knowledge and skills of mental health consumers, carers and allies.

These courses are non-accredited, personal and professional, training opportunities for anyone interested in learning key concepts to do with mental health in Australia.

Each course has been co-designed with Lived Experience experts and Peer Educators to ensure these flexible, self-paced, and person-centred learning options meet the needs of those who live with mental health issues.

For more information and to register click here.

 

[ONLINE JOB READINESS PROGRAM]: Thrive Pilot Program

 

Neami National and Get Skilled Access have partnered to develop THRIVE, a pilot program focused on improving job readiness and workplace inclusivity for people that experience mental health challenges or psychosocial disability.

THRIVE includes a suite of e-learning modules and workshops that guide participants and employers toward inclusive recruitment and inclusive workplace practices.

For more information click here.

To register click here.

 

[TRAINING]: Line Manager Training with The Lived Experience Workforce Program, Tuesday 14th and 21st of May

FREE TRAINING: REGISTRATIONS OPEN

Let’s Talk About…Supporting wellbeing and resilience

The MHCSA, with support from the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, is pleased to offer free training for people who provide line management to mental health Lived Experience/Peer Workers – or whose organisation is supporting them towards a role in which they will. They welcome leaders from the NGO and Government mental health sectors in SA.

Session Details:

  • Tuesday two day training 14th and 21st May 2024
  • 10am – 2 pm (both days)
  • Marjorie Black Community Room, enter rear of SACOSS: 47 King William Rd, Unley (on street parking available, please note any time limits)

Questions? Email lizzie.graham@mhcsa.org.au

To register, click here.

[SUPPORT]: Online Practice Support with The Lived Experience Workforce Program, Thursday 9 May

The Lived Experience Workforce Program (LEWP) is funded to lead the development of the Lived Experience/Peer Workforce in SA’s NGO mental health sector.

They are working with NGO Lived Experience workers to co-create a safe space to come together, to share wisdom and ideas relating to Lived Experience knowledge and practice, build connections and support each other in the work we do.

If you are:

  • Currently in a designated mental health Lived Experience role
  • Have been working in a designated role, are not currently working but actively seeking your next Lived Experience employment opportunity
  • Are not working yet but are studying or have recently completed the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work…

…this space is for you! Come along, share and learn, get involved and help shape what future sessions will look like.

 

  • Thursday 9th May 2024
  • 9 :30am – 10:30am
  • Google Meet invititaion will be sent prior to the day.

To register, click here. 

[NETWORK]: Lived Experience Connect with BPD Co, Thursday 18 April

 

Are you someone with a lived experience of BPD (consumer or carer), who is currently involved, or curious about lived experience representation, advocacy or education?

You are invited to join BPD Co’s new network Lived Experience Connect!

The informal and online networking sessions will be hosted by Jess and Karen, Lived Experience Project Officers – Consumer and Carer.

Come along to share with each other about your projects/programs, build connections, or springboard your ideas and develop grass root innovations.

For more information and to register, click here. 

[PEER SUPPORT]: Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su) groups with LELAN

 

Alternatives to Suicide (Alt2Su) peer-led community-based groups centre mutual connection and meaning making around suicide distress, thoughts and experiences. They offer non-clinical spaces where people can be honest about their experiences without fear of forced treatment, other forms of coercion, or risk assessment that shuts conversation down.

Multiple Alt2Su groups are available online and in-person for people in South Australia each week. Some groups are completely open and some are specifically designed to be for people of particular ages, gender, sexual or culturally diverse identities.

Alternatives to Suicide was developed by the Wildflower Alliance (formerly the Western Mass Recovery Learning Community) in the US.

To see what groups are running click here.

If you have any questions reach out to the LELAN team at info@lelan.org.au.

 

[COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE]: Lived Experience Leadership & Change with LELAN, Wednesday 29 May

 

The Lived Experience Leadership and Change Community of Practice is held online every six weeks and has been created to:

  • Offer a ‘safe-enough’ space for lived experience leaders and allies to share information and experiences about their change goals and efforts.
  • Explore and grapple with dilemmas and opportunities in and for influencing change.
  • Build capacity and skills to generate new thought, shared approaches and resources that support thinking and collective action in this space.

Dates for the Community of Practice for 2024 (9.30-11am SA time):

  • Wednesday May 29th 2024.
  • Wednesday July 10th 2024.
  • Wednesday August 21st 2024.
  • Wednesday October 2nd 2024.
  • Wednesday November 13th 2024.

For more information and to register click here.

For any questions about the Community of Practice email info@lelan.org.au.

 

[PEER SUPPORT]: Mind Recovery College, at Sonder Safe Haven Salisbury, every Friday 11.00am

Did you know that Mind Australia holds free, welcome to all, weekly Recovery College® Sessions in Salisbury?

Sessions are on Friday’s at 11am at the welcoming, comfortable space in Sonder’s Safe Haven.

These courses are informal, conversational, with a focus on education and peer support- facilitated by people with their own experiences of mental health challenges.

Walk-ins are most welcome.

Venue: Sonder Safe Haven, 9 John Street Salisbury SA 5108

For more information email James Turner James.Turner@mindaustralia.org.au

 

[CONNECT]: Weekly online drop-in sessions with the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network

Join the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) for their exciting new initiative – weekly drop-in sessions designed especially for young people like you! These informal online gatherings provide a unique opportunity for individuals from migrant, refugee, and international student backgrounds to have their voices heard and help shape MYAN’s national advocacy work.

Mark your calendars for the first 3 Wednesdays of the month from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm AEDT, with each session focusing on specific groups – young people from refugee backgrounds, young people from migrant backgrounds, and international students.

1st Wednesday: Young people from refugee background
2nd Wednesday: Young people from migrant background
3rd Wednesday: International student
To register, click here.
[EVENT]: Neighborhood Summit 2024 Wednesday 8 May

 

The annual inclusive Neighbourhood Summit 2024 invites neighbourhood groups, members, champions, and individuals with lived experience together to share and celebrate stories of neighbourhood connection, approaches to improve accessibility and inclusivity, as well as opportunities for individuals to network with one another!

This free event is being held at the Adelaide Showground Wednesday 8th May 10AM-3PM.

To get tickets, click here.