| LEN Connect - November 2024 |
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| Dear members of the Lived Experience Network, | | With some sadness, we announce that Liz Asser is stepping down from her role as co-chair of LEN. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude and respect for her leadership and dedication to the establishment of LEN. Her ability to inspire and challenge this work has left a lasting impact on each of us and shaped LEN moving forward. As Liz steps down from her role, please know that we are incredibly grateful for everything she has done and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. | | With Liz moving on, we are looking for someone to step into her shoes. Expressions of interest in co-chairing LEN are invited. Further details can be found under ‘Employment Opportunities’. | | Thanks to all who provided feedback about the LEN Connect. People reported finding the Connect relevant and easy to navigate, but there was a preference for monthly information to be provided. Other comments included the need for financial independence for those with lived experience and the need to ensure services meet the needs of those they support. We will keep this in mind as we move into the new year. | | Finally, it was amazing to have LEN recognised at this year’s Mental Health Week Achievement Awards. I had the privilege of accepting the award on behalf of all LEN members, and it was heartwarming to be approached by quite a few attendees interested in learning more about LEN and how lived experience can inform and guide research. We are still searching for funding to support the vision of LEN, and hope that continually raising the LEN profile can help us find and attract much needed financial support to achieve our intended outcomes. | | As 2024 draws to a close (where has the year gone!), we wish everyone a safe and happy year-end. This is our final Connect for the year, but we look forward to reconnecting in the new year. | | Warm regards | | Vicky |
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| The 2024 ALIVE Lived Experience study invites carers, family, or kinship group members supporting someone with mental ill-health to share their views. | | The brief online survey asks some questions about your demographic, type of lived experience and how you see your role. You will then be asked to list three priorities for mental health research from your own perspective. And that’s it. | | If you would prefer to work with ideas put forward by others, you can take part in emotion mapping. You will have a private online workspace called a Mural board, where you can use virtual post-it notes to reflect on the importance of topics and think about how they should be organised. If you would like to take part in emotion mapping, please email alive-hub@unimelb.edu.au |
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| Lived experience perspectives on the recommendations included the Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Lifestyle Psychiatry. | | This research study is looking to recruit people in Australia aged 18-65-years who meet one or both of the following criteria: | - Lived experience of a mental illness
- Family/carer of a person with lived experience of a mental illness.
| | Participants will be asked to complete the following research activities if they agree to participate: | - Complete three virtual/online focus groups over an approximate two-week period.
- Complete 1-hour of pre-reading prior to each focus group.
| | All participants will be paid $40 per hour via electronic funds transfer. Participants will be requested to complete six hours of work and be paid according to the number of focus groups attended (i.e., $80 per focus group, includes one-hour pre-reading and one-hour focus group, totalling a maximum of $240 for full participation). | | Please contact Dr Scott Teasdale, Senior Research Fellow, via email s.teasdale@unsw.edu.au or phone +61 2 9348 1743 to learn more or register your interest. |
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| Adapting co-design models for mental health and research settings | | You’re invited to participate in a research study about co-design in mental health and addictions service and research settings. | | This study is for people who are over 18 years of age and accessing mental health support in Queensland. | | Participation involves a 1-hour focus group about co-design, which can be in person or online. You will be offered a $40 Coles gift card. | | What is co-design? | | Co-design involves bringing healthcare staff together on an equal level with the people who access the service. An equal ‘playing field’ enables a partnership to design and deliver services, with the result being more likely to meet the needs of consumers, carers and families who access the service. | | Please note: this study does not involve co-design – the aim of this research is to understand how people who access mental health support would like to engage in co-design, and the findings will inform the adaptation of co-design models for implementation in mental health services and research. | | How do I get involved? | | If you’re interested in participating, you can access the detailed participant information sheet and consent form below. | | Further Information and who to Contact. | | If you want any further information or if you would like to clarify anything related to this project please contact the study co-ordinator, Dr Justin Chapman: Justin.Chapman@health.qld.gov.au; You can also email Helena Roennfeldt (h.roennfeldt@griffith.edu.au) or call on 0403 772 040 |
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| This study wants to hear from Family or Carer Lived Experience workers and Carer Representatives in paid or voluntary roles who have worked in QLD mental health services in the last five years. This research aims to investigate your experiences of participating in this workforce. We have completed our survey and now we will be hosting two focus groups on teams: | | · One focus group for Carer Representatives: Fri 29 Nov 12pm - 2pm AEST | | · One focus group for Family or Carer Lived experience workers: Fri 6 Dec 12pm - 2pm AEST | | Participants will be provided a $100 gift card for their participation. | | This research aims to replicate the Victorian Rising Together study, identifying Family/Carer workforce issues and supports. We seek to understand the experiences and needs of the QLD Family or Carer Lived Experience Workforce and make recommendations for further support. | | This study is being supported by funding from the ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation. | | We hope to hear from the many voices of the Family or Carer Lived Experience Workforce and Carer Representatives– so please consider participating and feel free to share. | | To participate please contact Dr Katherine Reid: katherine.reid@griffith.edu.au |
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| Recovery Club is a new six-month trial program for complex mental health needs | | SANE’s Recovery Club is a free, six-month online mental health recovery program for people over 18yrs with complex mental health needs and trauma, and the family, friends and carers who support them. | | Recovery Club provides free evidence-based resources, empowering information, and a supportive community to help you manage your mental health and work towards your recovery goals at your own pace. | | More information and to express interest in joining the trial is available below. Please note that spaces are limited to the first 200 eligible applicants. |
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| Digital mental health system navigation project | | Share your experiences of finding and accessing mental health care in Australia and help to shape a better future. | | Contribute to a mental health system that better serves our community’s needs by sharing your experiences finding and accessing mental health care in Australia. | | Whether you've sought care, supported someone to find or access care (personally or professionally), or work in the mental health sector – your insights are invaluable (plus, you'll have the chance to win one of five $100 Giftpay vouchers). | | This survey is being conducted as part of a project commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care to develop options to support people finding and accessing mental health care. | | The project is being delivered by SANE alongside a consortium of 14 organisations including Nous Group, The University of Melbourne, yourtown / Kids Helpline, LGBTIQ+ Health, Flourish, One Door, Community Mental Health Australia, Orygen, Lived Experience Australia, Thirrili, The Butterfly Foundation, Outcome Health, Pheonix and the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing. |
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| Australia-wide therapy trial for hearing voices | | The AMETHYST study aims to test a new psychological therapy for hearing voices called Avatar Therapy. You may be eligible if you: | - Hear voices
- Live in Australia
- Have access to the internet
- Are aged over 18 years
| | The Amethyst study is a new piece of research, jointly developed by four leading universities, to test the effectiveness of a new psychological therapy for people hearing voices called Avatar Therapy. Researchers hope that Avatar Therapy could be more beneficial than current treatments. | | This in-depth study requires a 9 month commitment with participants receiving evidence-based therapy via video ink from an experienced therapist. Participants will receive 7 x 50 minute free therapy sessions over the term and then be required to complete 3 follow up research assessments. the therapy sessions which will be provided free of charge, participants will be paid for the completion of the assessments. | Further information about this trial and how to express your interest can be found: here
How do you get involved?
If you would like to participate in this study, please use the links below appropriate to your circumstance. | More information
If you have any questions about this project please get in touch with Professor Sharon Lawn at Flinders via email at sharon.lawn@flinders.edu.au.
Ethics Committee Clearance | | This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Flinders University (HREC 6854). |
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| Community survey to improve perinatal services | | What is/was your experience of perinatal anxiety & depression service provision? | | PANDA invites all community members to provide feedback to guide service planning via an online Community Survey. | | You can complete the quick 8-question survey via the link below. |
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| A research agenda for the improvement of mental health services derived from the experience of service users | | If you have lived experience of enduring mental health challlenges, this project is an opportunity to be involved in decisions upfront about what research needs to be done to improve quality of care. Particpants are required to undertake a 60-minute interview by zoom or phone. | | To express your interest or learn more email: anton.isaacs@monash.edu |
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| EOI – Feedback on benzodiazepine resources | | Reconnexion is working with Deakin University and looking for people with lived or living experience of benzodiazepine dependence to provide feedback on new support resources under development. | | The project is hoping to enhance the patient-centredness of how GPs deprescribe benzodiazepines and z-drugs (BZRAs). | | While most consumers usually prefer non-pharmacological treatment, for those interested in the role that this medication can play, your contribution to this research could lead to better prescribing by GPs. | | Focus groups will take around 60 minutes and will be conducted via Zoom. | | Participants will receive a $45.00 gift voucher as a thank you for your time. | | If you are interested in participating, use the link for more information and to complete the screening survey for eligibility. |
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| Position Description: Lived Experience Co-Chair, Lived Experience Network | | Location: Griffith Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University | | Position type: Fixed term contract – 4 hrs p/month | | Commencement date: 2025 | | Position Summary: The Lived Experiences Network (LEN) builds on the intent and foundations of the Griffith Centre for Mental Health (GCMH) to be an authentic collaborative network fostering shared knowledge between people with lived experiences and GCMH members to co-produce high quality research in the field of mental health and wellbeing. The Lived Experience (LE) Co-Chair of the (LEN) plays a pivotal role in leading and shaping the network’s activities with the GCMH Co-Chair. The position involves collaborating with individuals who have lived experiences of mental health challenges, distress, and/or trauma to co-produce high-quality research and ensure the voice of LE is central to the Centre’s mission. | | Key Responsibilities: | - Leadership and Governance:
- Co-chair the LEN, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s values of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity
- Develop and implement strategic plans for the network in collaboration with the GCMH Co-Chair & GCMH Director
- Facilitate communications, meetings and workshops with LEN members, GCMH researchers and stakeholders
- Research and Collaboration:
- Promote and support the co-production of research involving diverse lived experience perspectives
- Build research partnerships between interested people with lived experience, lived experience organisations, community members, and GCMH members
- Provide opportunities for Network members to collaborate in training, education, and Centre decision making
- Provide opportunities to facilitate mentoring relationships between interested LEN and GCMH members (in both directions)
- Advocacy and Representation:
- Promote the lived experience voice in actively defining what to study, how to study it and why it is needed
- Actively seek to confront power imbalances so people with lived experiences are equal partners.
- Represent the LEN at conferences, seminars, and collaborate on publications
- Engage with media and public relations activities to promote the network’s mission and achievements
- Community Engagement:
- Build and maintain relationships with individuals and groups with lived experience of mental health challenges
- Strengthen connections with current LEN members and recruit new LEN members
- Facilitate opportunities for LEN members to participate in research design, implementation, and dissemination
| | Applications: Please submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) via email to LEN-GCMH@griffith.edu.au by close of business Wednesday, 11th December 2024. EOIs should detail the applicant’s experience in addressing the four key responsibilities associated with the role. |
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| Lived experience PhD candidate opportunity | | Scholarship/Project name: Co-design and recovery in people with mental health concerns | | Griffith University is currently looking for a PhD candidate in peer / lived experience research to lead components of a project funded by the Medical Research Futures Fund and industry partner the Brisbane North Primary Health Network. | | Using qualitative and survey methods, you'll investigate how psychosocial and lifestyle behaviours influence recovery of people with enduring mental health conditions. This project is with the Translational Mental Health and Codesign Research group, within Griffith University’s Centre for Mental Health. | | This opportunity can be part-time or full-time. Full-time candidates may be eligible for a 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship round which has an annual stipend of $33,480 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. For further information on the eligibility requirements for scholarships refer here. | | For further information about the project, please feel free to contact: | | Dr Victoria Stewart | | Phone: (07) 3735 8039 | | Email: v.stewart@griffith.edu.au |
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| Mind & Body Balance 2024 features Australia's leading researchers in nutrition, physical activity & mental health. Hear from experts about the latest advancements in research and evidence-based practices. | | Date: Wednesday, 20 November 2024 Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm Venue: Online or In person at Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Qld |
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| The AEPCC one-day forum will shape the future of early psychosis research, ensuring it is more inclusive, comprehensive and effective. This will be an opportunity to share stories, learn from others, and help transform lives through better understanding and treatment of psychosis. | Date: Thursday, 21 November 2024
Time: 9am – 5pm
Venue: Level 36, Tower 2 Collins Square, 727 Collins Street, Melbourne (In person only) |
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| LE Summit 2025 will delve deeply into emerging innovations in suicide prevention, enable partnerships with future research and service development, and create opportunities for collaboration that will extend beyond the Summit. The event aims to support the growth and sustainability of the lived experience of suicide movement. | | The LE Summit appeals to people with a lived experience of suicide, members of the suicide prevention sector, government, community and non-government organisations, clinicians, corporate organisations and researchers. It offers a supportive space and platform for robust discussions and an opportunity to challenge our thinking, strengthen collaborations and forge partnerships with people with lived experience of suicide in Australia. |
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| BEING’s new self-paced learning hub IS LIVE! | | The new e-Hub platform is live with bespoke courses created for those pursuing lived experience representation and consumer advocacy roles including: | | · Introduction to Journaling (free) | | · Stigma and Discrimination (mental health) (free) | | · Mental Health Advocacy (free) | | · NEW Foundations of Co-Design (paid) | | · NEW Foundations of Effective Meetings (paid) | | · NEW Foundations of Committee Work (paid) | | Each one is a standalone eLearning module offering in-depth content, interactive learner resource books, knowledge checks, quizzes, and practical scenarios allowing you as the learner to study at your own pace, at a time convenient to you. | | Click the button below to visit the all-new e-Hub, create an account, and try out these new self-paced learning courses. Please note, you will need to create an account to access the courses. | | NOTE: Members receive a $30 discount on training courses. When creating your learner account, please make sure it uses the same email address linked to your BEING membership. |
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| Every quote in this resource suite has been provided by a person with lived and living experience. We have drawn on this broad collection of unique insights to develop guidance resources that can support others who may want to share their story. | | Key topics covered in this resource include: | - Ensuring you understand your purpose for sharing your story
- Having a self-care plan in place
- Considering the language you are using
- Setting boundaries to protect your wellbeing
- Being prepared for people, including strangers, to ask you questions about your story.
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| The Young Carer Bursary Program | | This program helps young carers continue their education without needing to work while studying. In 2025, 1,592 bursaries of $3,768 each, will be available for education needs and resources. | | The bursary money can be used for things like: | - Buying a laptop for schoolwork
- Getting school uniforms or books
- Paying for transport to get to school or college
- Taking a break from caring
- Joining in with school activities that cost extra
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| Lived Experience Network - Resources | | We have started to build up a library of Resources available free on our Lived Experience Network website. Please feel free to email us with any resources about co-design or co-production that you would like to share with fellow LEN members. Please note these resources will also be available to the public. |
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| YOU are invited to contribute to the LEN Connect. Please share your insights, reflections, and resources with us to shape the network as we work to increase impact and drive positive change. | | Please send all submissions to: LEN-GCMH@griffith.edu.au | | If you no longer wish to be contacted by the Lived Experience Network, please email LEN-GCMH@griffith.edu.au with Unsubscribe in the subject line. | | Keep up to date with GCMH on their socials. |
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