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.
- awareness of supports that are available
- knowledge and understanding of your rights, including right to provide a self-report, and
- understanding of pathways to access support when appearing before the Tribunal and on appeal to the MHC.
- usable (is it relevant to your needs when interacting with the Tribunal or MHC and enables you to act)
- accessible (clear and easily understood)
- inclusive and appropriate for your discrete needs (e.g. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQ+, Disability), and
- complete (is there helpful information missing).
The MHLEPQ are seeking expressions of interest from members with lived experience of mental illness and distress who want to discuss adverse effects of mental health medication.
This is an opportunity to connect with others who have similar experiences and contribute to a better understanding of medication impacts.
If you have personal experience with adverse effects from psychiatric medication and want to contribute your perspective, we invite you to express your interest.
This is the first step in gathering insights on this issue.
Next, we will send out a broader survey, and depending on interest, we may form a special interest group that meets monthly.
How to Participate:
- Please fill out the following form if you are interested in this project: EOI – for Adverse Effects of Mental Health Medication Project
- Please feel free to email RahimM@mhlepq.org.au or engagement@mhlepq.org.au for further discussion
The MHLEPQ commissioned a consultant to facilitate a co-design team to report on advocacy and activism training for members in Queensland in mid-2024.
The group explored what it would look like for MHLEPQ to support established and emerging consumer activists and advocates to drive systemic change. The MHLEPQ present this framework and recommendations to guide its work in developing advocacy and activism training for its members. Read the full report here.
The has now closed and is under review.
Contact our new Policy Director and Project lead Danie at DanieW@mhlepq.org.au
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 engagement@mhlepq.org.au
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 engagement@mhlepq.org.au.
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.
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.
The EOI for project is now closed. If you like to discuss this project, please reach out to engagement@mhlepq.org.au
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.
Every Thursday, 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 MHLEPQ Psychosocial Supports Special Interest Group has been established to discuss psychosocial supports in QLD.
The group meets once a month to discuss, advise and provide additional guidance for MHLEPQ’s advocacy efforts while supporting the prioritisation of policy recommendations.
The group discusses all things psychosocial related including the NDIS, foundational supports, NDIA, disability and more.
The group has produced amazing work, one highlight being the MHLEPQ Member Statement: National Disability Insurance Scheme – ‘Getting the NDIS Back on Track No.1’ Bill 2024.
If you’re interested in joining, please fill in the short form here.
If you need more information or support please email engagement@mhlepq.org.au
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 Australian Government is setting up the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC).
They are seeking expressions of interest from people with disability who have expertise in disability inclusion and intersectionality and those with expertise in allied health, therapies, assistive technology or health economics fields.
The EAC will give independent advice to government on the suitability of supports for NDIS funding. They will use evidence about the benefits, quality, safety and value of NDIS supports to inform their advice to Government. This advice will improve participant outcomes and experiences and help improve the NDIS.
The EAC will be set up by July 2025 and meet several times each year.
For more information on the EAC and how you can apply, please read the expression of interest here.
Applications will close on 6 May 2025.
The National Mental Health Consumer Alliance (NMHCA) is seeking one member from each State and Territory to join their Multicultural Mental Health Expert Group.
This group advises on national mental health policies and how they impact multicultural mental health consumers. Please read the criteria here to see if you are eligible to apply.
Panel members will be paid $92.80 per hour for four online meetings each year (including reading time).
Applications are open until May 2, 2025. If you’re interested, complete the nomination form here.
The Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) is looking for people with disability who want to be involved in the co-design of the Empower Project.
The Empower Project will explore and address barriers to sports and recreation participation for Queenslanders with disability.
Remuneration
- As an Empower Co-designer, you will be paid at a rate of $75 per hour.
- Hours will be dependent on the organisational need and your individual availability.
How to apply:
- Please complete the online Expression of Interest form here.
- If you would like more information or need support answering the questions, please call
QDN on 1300 363 783 or email at empower@qdn.org.au.
The closing date to receive applications is by 5pm Friday 9 of May 2025.
Shortlisted applicants will be notified by Wednesday 14 of May 2025 for interview by a selection panel.
The Queensland Alliance for Mental Health invite you to take part in an important national survey aimed at understanding and addressing mental health needs across Australia.
Developed by the Centre for Social Impact at the University of Western Australia, this survey explores key questions around accessing mental health supports, service and support preferences, and how people begin their journey in the mental health system. Your insights will help shape better services – making them more accessible, effective, and tailored to community needs.
The survey is open nationwide until April 2025, and your lived experience will play a vital role in shaping future mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
By participating, you have the option of going into the draw to win 1 of 5 $100 e-gift cards!
Take the survey here.
Learn more about QAMH PATHS Project here.
The National Mental Health Consumer Alliance is recruiting!
They’re looking for a Chairperson for the Regional and Remote Mental Health Expert Panel. The NMHCA recognises the unique challenges of living in regional, remote, and very remote areas. To ensure these voices are heard, we are establishing this panel to inform our work. If you’re interested in shaping mental health advocacy in these communities, consider joining as a panel member!
Learn more and apply for the Chairperson role here.
Applications close midnight on Monday, 21 April 2025.
Learn more and apply as a panel member here.
Applications close on Monday, April 28 2025.
The Disability Events Community (The DEC) are hosting two upcoming Expos.
These are a free event designed to connect people living with disabilities, their families, guardians, support workers and disability providers.
The expo will feature local disability providers ready to answer your questions, provide expert insights, and guide you in achieving your NDIS goals. This event also offers the opportunity for providers to network with fellow professionals in the local community.
Toowoomba Expo
When: Wednesday, June 4th – 10:00AM to 1:00PM
Location: Highfields Cultural Centre – Sean McCarthy Wy, Highfields
Register here
Sunshine Coast Expo
When: Thursday, June 5th – 10:00AM to 1:00PM
Location: Venue 114 – 114 Sportsman Parade, Bokarina
Register here
Insight is seeking up to two (2) lived experience representatives to support the development of resources as part of the Enhanced Trauma Informed Care project (E-TIC).
This project will deliver a series of online training modules aimed at equipping the state-funded mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) workforce with increased capability to provide trauma-informed care.
Paid participation will be included for participants and they can choose to be part of the project either online or in person.
The meeting date will be set in April 2025.
For more information about the project and participant requirements, please read the infosheet here.
If you would like to be involved in this project, please email insight@health.qld.gov.au or call 07 3837 5655 to speak with the Insight Program Manager.
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 MHRT.ESO@MHRT.qld.gov.au or Consumer Engagement Officer, Arone Lenihan at Arone.Lenihan@MHRT.qld.gov.au
To read more about the MHRT – Human Library Video Project and the proposed topics, read their information sheet here.
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.
Peer work is a growing approach in mental health support, and Open Minds is committed to keeping practices current and effective. As part of this, they’ve adopted a peer work model and want to better understand the experiences of peer workers and their teams – what’s working well, and what could be improved.
To support this, Open Minds has partnered with Multicap Group to carry out research through focus groups or interviews. These will be conducted online by a Multicap researcher, during regular work hours, and will take no longer than one hour.
Paid Participation applies. Expressions of interest close on 22 April.
Submit your EOI here.
For more information or support, please reach out to Harriet.Weston-Harris@openminds.org.au and trent.carberry@vertaview.org.au.
You may also read the Open Minds participation info-sheet here.