Looking to contribute to change, or find advocacy activities to participate in?
One of the objects of the MHLEPQ is to “work with the mental health system to empower and build capacity of experienced and emerging mental health
consumer representatives to participate in mental health sector improvement initiatives.”
Here you will find act for people identifying as having lived or living experience of poor mental health to take part on various representative bodies and working groups.
Notice Board
Activities with the MHLEPQ
Here’s a list of current MHLEPQ activities.
On 10 December 2024, the Legislative Assembly agreed to a motion that the Education, Arts and Communities Committee (the committee) inquire into and report on Elder Abuse in Queensland.
The MHLEPQ is holding a 2-hour focus group to hear member perspectives. We’re looking for anyone with personal lived experiences of Elder Abuse in QLD. We’re also broadly looking for any members interested in ongoing work with the Peak from an older person’s LE perspective.
The focus group(s) will be facilitated by the new MHLEPQ Policy Director and recorded, with consent.
Participants will be paid for their time in line with the MHLEPQ Paid Participation Policy.
To register your interest please complete this short form here.
To read more about the focus group and inquiry, please read our information sheet here.
If you have any further questions please email [email protected]
MHLEPQ is seeking to collect members feedback on the below Chief Psychiatrist Policies, as part of the current project MHLEPQ and members have been working in reviewing of the Chief Psychiatrist policies.
Please read the below policies and provide your feedback on the survey links provided.
Mental Health Review Tribunal
- Member feedback survey on the Appointment of Authorised Doctors and Authorised Mental Health Practitioners policy
This policy outlines the regulatory requirements for the appointment of authorised clinicians who can exercise powers and functions under the MHA 2016.
- Member feedback survey on the Support to the Mental Health Review Tribunal
This policy describes the support an Authorised Mental Health Services (AMHSs) must provide to facilitate Mental Health Review Tribunal hearings.
- Member feedback survey on the Searches and Security
This policy details the legislative framework for ensuring the safety and security of patients, staff and others within an Authorised Mental Health Services (AMHSs). This includes outlining authorisation requirements for searches, mail procedures, and processes for the exclusion of visitors.
Notifications
- Member feedback surveyon the Notification to the Chief Psychiatrist of critical incidents and significant non-compliance policy
The Chief Psychiatrist is responsible for facilitating the proper administration of the MHA 2016. This policy sets out the regulatory requirements for Authorised Mental Health Services (AMHSs) to notify the Chief Psychiatrist regarding critical incidents and incidents involving significant non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with the MHA 2016. The policy also outlines Chief Psychiatrist actions which may follow these notifications, such as an investigation, and outlines record keeping requirements.
If you would like further information or to discuss these surveys in further detail please email [email protected].
MHLEPQ are seeking 4 to 5 individuals who would like to participate in an upcoming Member project ‘Building the NEW’ – a project to reimagine a mental health system designed by and for the Lived Experience community.
This group will not consider what such system should look like, but how we engage in a blue-sky thinking project aimed at imagining what a mental health system would look like if we could design it from scratch, without reference to what currently is, entirely from a lived experience perspective.
The questions we will seek to answer is how we would go about the consultation and design process, who must be heard in the process, how the project should be resourced and how decisions should be made within the project.
Paid participation applies.
If you would like to be a part of this project, please complete the short form here or email [email protected] .
The Better Care Together Reference Committee are reviewing the plan and evaluating it’s impact so far.
MHLEPQ is seeking to submit feedback from our members to the Reference Committee on how we feel the BCT plan has been implemented over these last few years.
If you would like to share your thoughts and experiences, please complete our survey linked here.
Join the MHLEPQ Members Peer-to-Peer Study Group!
A member-led study group for MHLEPQ members, with a special focus on supporting those studying a Certificate IV (4) in Mental Health Peer Support. All members studying other courses are welcome to join too.
Starting Thursday, 9 January, the MHLEPQ office will turn into a study hall for members to come and study together. You’re welcome to drop in anytime between 3:00PM to 6:00PM, in person or online.
Led by peers, for peers, with a focus on study, peer work, and supporting each other—whether it’s sharing tips, chatting about assignments, or studying side by side.
The Department of Health and Aged Care is reviewing the PHN Program business model. The Dept is interested in hearing from people about whether the PHN Strategy (2023) is fit-for-purpose and likely to meet its goals. They have provided questions based on the program objectives and activities, governance, regional planning, funding arrangements, and the mental health flexible funding stream.
The MHLEPQ is holding a 2-hour focus group to hear member perspectives. The focus group(s) will be facilitated by Bec, MHLEPQ Policy Director and recorded, with consent.
We are committed to working in partnership with members to ensure their direct experiences and expertise are heard in all matters crucial to their wellbeing and self-determination.
Participants will be paid for their time in line with the MHLEPQ Paid Participation Policy.
Focus Group Gate: Suggested dates for the focus group are between the 6-8th of January 2025
Submission date: Jan 22, 2025
The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) have been funded by Queensland Health to conduct a review of current resources available regarding the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) and Mental Health Court (MHC) processes.
Paid participation applies.
Time Frame:
- Appointment of consumers will be on the 30th of January
- Work will commence on the 14th of February
- The project will conclude on the 30th of June
If you would like to participate, please fill in the EOI form here.
If you’d like to further information or support, please email [email protected]
MHLEPQ is seeking any members who feel the Wolston Park Hospital investigation is relevant to them and their experiences are invited to contact the us with a view of getting together to jointly develop the MHLEPQ position in regards to the investigation and to provide each other with peer support throughout the process.
For members who have a firsthand experience of the Wolston Park Hospital and for members who feel traumatised from institutionalisation and generally, the process of an investigation can be traumatising and isolating.
On the 8th August 2024, the Minister for Mental Health Shannon Fentiman MP directed the Queensland Mental Health Commission to undertake an investigation in regards to services provided at Wolston Park Hospital between the 1950s to the 1990s. The process is limited to investigating historic allegations only.
MHLEPQ has argued that the Commissioner should also make recommendations that could lead to improvements in the current system where relevant. We have been particularly concerned that there are similarities in how patients at the Wolston Park Hospital and todays service users feel they are silenced when complaining about conduct in the system.
This invitation stands whether you intend to make your own submission to the investigation or not.
To register your interest in this process please complete the form here or contact [email protected]
A Member project group to explore unique areas for members of LGBTIAQ+ community/ies with lived experiences of mental illness and/or suicidality.
If you would like to join this group, please let us know via this online form: https://forms.office.com/r/gnENWuvrnD
eXTERNAL REquests for lived experience engagement.
Here you will find current requests for Lived Experience engagement from external organisations.
Follow the links to find more information, including how to connect directly with the activity organisers.
The Human Library Video Project is being undertaken by the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) to destigmatise, humanise and build awareness about the experiences of people with lived and living experiences of mental health, and disability and the experiences of people who have been their carers and supports.
The MHRT Human Library Video Project will be a library of interviews with lived and living experience individuals who wish to share their stories.
Every video in the library will represent a group of people who share their lived or living mental health experience, disability or are part of a support network for people with a lived or living mental health experience or disability. The videos will be available to members and staff only and will form part of the MHRT’s enduring professional development catalogue. They will assist in ensuring the MHRT’s commitment to promoting human rights through an understanding of the powerful and personal journeys of the lived and living experience community.
If you are interested in becoming a lived or living experience participant as part of the MHRT Human Library Video Project, please contact Deputy President, Monique Ulrick-Hunter at [email protected] or Consumer Engagement Officer, Arone Lenihan at [email protected]
To read more about the MHRT – Human Library Video Project and the proposed topics, read their information sheet here.
The National Mental Health and Consumer Forum (NMHCCF) would like to invite you to their upcoming webinar, ‘Trauma or Treatment’.
This webinar is hosted by MHLEPQ member Ailsa Rayner, Consumer Representative and National Register of Mental Health with Heather Nowak, Consumer Representative, National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum.
This webinar will support in gaining understanding of the impact of trauma from a survivor’s perspective, exploring what trauma is, it’s impact and mental health implications.
When: Monday, February 24th 3:00PM – 4:30PM (AEDST) – Online Event
To attend this online event, please register here.
The Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) is seeking applications from lawyers for Legal Member positions anticipated to commence from June 2025.
A person eligible for appointment as a Legal Member of the Tribunal must be:
- A lawyer of at least five (5) years standing. That is, you must have been admitted to the legal profession in Australia for a minimum of five (5) years.
In this round of Member appointments, the Tribunal is looking to identify suitable candidates who reside in the greater Brisbane region. This incorporates Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redland and Logan local government regions.
Support to complete applications, along with further information, may be obtained by contacting the Tribunal’s Recruitment team at [email protected] or by phoning (07) 3338 8328.
To apply for this role please follow the link here.
Applications close Monday, January 27th.
These courses will be held at Griffith University’s South Bank campus, taught by university tutors at the Queensland Conservatorium and the Queensland College of Art and Design.
Anyone in Brisbane with lived and / or living experience, aged 18 years and older is eligible to apply.
These are introductory courses that do not require any prior experience.
Songwriting and Storytelling
Wednesdays 1:00 to 3.00pm, March 19 to May 14
This course is an introduction to storytelling concepts through the art of songwriting. Practical activities
and mentoring will help students explore different steps in the creative process of songwriting, including
song structure and framing their ‘story’, developing lyrical ideas, and effective communication of their
message.
Creativity through Acting
Thursdays 2:00 to 4.00pm, March 20 to May 15
This course introduces communicating with confidence through acting. Through teamwork, students will
devise and create short pieces of improvisatory work. Students will explore the skills of listening,
responding, critical thinking, and problem-solving through a lens of creativity and play.
Studio Drawing
Fridays 1:00 to 3.00pm, March 21 to May 16
This introduction to drawing will include fundamental studio techniques such as sketching and
observational drawing, and materials including graphite, charcoal, and ink. This course will provide
students with an appreciation for the art of drawing and the material skills to continue drawing after the
course is completed.
- Set up and coordinate a regular national communications network comprising communications managers from our member organisations
- Establish branding guidelines for NMHCA, and implement them across the organisation in policy submissions, website, newsletters
- Lead the organisation’s public communications activities particularly online
- Write and send regular email newsletters
- Be a point of contact with journalists
The National Mental Health Consumer Alliance (NMHCA) is seeking an individual with lived experience to take on the role of Company Secretary for the National Mental Health Consumer Peak Body.
This remote (work from home) position is open to applicants across Australia.
Key responsibilities include advising the Board and CEO on governance matters, maintaining records, coordinating meetings, and preparing agendas and minutes.
The role requires approximately two days per month, with board and committee meetings held online and two in-person board meetings annually (East Coast, with travel costs covered).
To apply, send a cover letter addressing the listed attributes and your CV or LinkedIn profile to [email protected].
For more information about the role, read the job description here.
MHLEPQ are proud to sponsor the Queensland Lived Experience Workforce Network (QLEWN) upcoming Lived Experience Workforce Summit!
A Lived Experience workforce event. By Lived Experience Workers; For Lived Experience Workers.
Powering Up will prioritise opportunities for relationship building and learning together through co-reflective conversations. This will be an in-person only event for people working in identified Lived Experience roles across the mental health; suicide prevention; and alcohol other drugs sector.
The program will offer a dynamic mix of inspirational speakers purposefully selected to stimulate deep thinking and encourage participants to share their perspectives about topical workforce issues. This will be complemented by a selection of interactive skill building workshops.
Participants may also choose to register for a night of informal networking and entertainment via an open mic at an event dinner. The night will offer a combination of good food, company and entertainment to celebrate Lived Experience ways of being. The two-day event will culminate in a world café conversation exploring our collective vision for the future of our workforce.
When: February, 20th – 21st 2025
Where: Venue 114, 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina Queensland 4575
Don’t miss out on this incredible event—register now to secure your tickets here.
The University of the Sunshine Coast Australia are seeking young people to join their study into the brain, gut, early life stress and anorexia nervosa.
How do early experiences shape biology, and risk and maintaining factors for anorexia nervosa in young people?
Are you aged 16 – 25 years old?
Do you have a current or past diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or ‘atypical’ anorexia nervosa?
Or have you been assessed by a clinician as meeting the criteria for anorexia nervosa or ‘atypical’ anorexia nervosa?
We invite you to join a scientific study into the neurobiology of risk and maintaining factors for anorexia nervosa after exposure to early life stress, including eating disorders.
All genders are eligible for participation.
What participation involves:
Participating in an MRI scan (you can receive a picture of your brain!)
Questionnaires about your mental health, behaviour and cognition, such as your experiences of eating, body image, and stressful life events
A gut microbiome faecal swab sampling kit will also be given to you to complete at home and mail for analysis (using instructions and an envelope provided)
Participants receive a $30 voucher for their time and a de-identified picture of their brain from the MRI scan.
If you’re intersted in being part of study then contact the Youth Mental Health Research Team at [email protected]
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) is undertaking an important project concerning the Disability Services (Restrictive Practices) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024. This project is an integral part of our ongoing commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disability across Queensland.
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) is leading engagement sessions to gather feedback from individuals with disability, their families, and carers. These sessions are crucial to ensuring that the voices of people who will be affected by the changes are heard and considered in shaping implementations of the legislation.
How You Can Contribute
As a key representative of a peak body, your insights and the perspectives of the people you support who are, have been or may be subject to a restrictive practise in the future, are invaluable.
As such, we’d appreciate your support in identifying and inviting individuals who may wish to participate in these sessions. Your organisation’s connection with people with disability and their families places you in a unique position to facilitate their involvement in this significant consultation.
About the Engagement Sessions
The sessions will be conducted one-on-one or in small groups of up to three participants, based on peoples’ preferences. They will be held over the phone or virtually. Participants will receive a $75 gift voucher in recognition of their time and contributions. The meeting will be for 1-1.5 hours.
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Karen Maciolek, QDN Manager of Policy and Programs at [email protected] or phone 0438 210 230 or Paige Armstrong, QDN Organisational Consultant on M: 0408 720 099.
Here's some more ways
to get involved.
- Sign up as a MHLEPQ Lived Experience Member stay in the loop and join our lived experience community.
- Become a Friend of the Peak and stay in the loop with MHLEPQ projects and opportunities.
- Apply to become a Peer Representative on a MHLEQP Lived Experience Advisory Group.
- Find other participation opportunities happening in the sector.
The first MHLEPQ Member MeetUp of the year is coming up soon.
When: Wednesday, January 29th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM
Where: Join us in person at our office (Shop 4, 67 Astor Terrace, Spring Hill)
Or online via Teams:
Meeting ID: 484 885 390 178
Passcode: vHptMQ
RSVP via the short form here or email [email protected]
We’re looking forward to reconnecting with our members and starting the year off strong together. Whether you join us in person or online, we’d love to see you there!