National PHN Mental Health Lived Experience Engagement Network (MHLEEN) Annual Forum opens up LE conversations in Cairns

“Hearing the voice of Lived Experience Leaders”

Last month MHLEEN hosted their third Annual Forum with the aim to discuss and analyse what and how the current system, reforms, priorities and recommendations are moving towards authentic lived experience engagement and workforce development.

Across two days in May, PHNs, lived experience individuals and other key stakeholders from around Australia came together to discuss with and hear from Lived Experience Leaders on perspectives of co-design, co-production and lived experience workforce development. A number of case studies of best practice were presented, along with learnings shared from PHNs and lived experience individuals.

The Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, opened the Forum with a pre-recorded acknowledgement of Traditional Owners, and of the important insights that people with a lived and living experience of mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide can contribute towards creating a community-led model of care.

Of 60 total attendees from across 21 PHN regions nationwide, almost half (48 per cent) represented the spectrum of lived experience as consumers and/or carers and/or peer workers. The team was proud to hear from delegates that the Forum was able to offer them a valuable space for “connection, knowledge sharing, support, validation, hope and understanding”.

“As a result of [these] conversations, I feel supported to continue in my advocacy.”

The full MHLEEN Annual Forum report will be released and shared in the coming months.

Watch the Hon. Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health's address.