Speaking from experience – our consumer advisory group

A consumer advisory group ensures that consumer perspectives are central to our services. This in turn supports people subject to compulsory mental health treatment.

Our consumer advisory group makes sure that the voices of people who use our service are central to the quality and improvement of our services. This in turn supports people subject to compulsory treatment.

Who is represented in our group?

Our consumer advisory group Speaking from Experience is made up of 12 consumers.

While all members of the group have lived experience of the mental health system, their experiences are diverse. Most members have used IMHA services themselves.

The multiple perspectives and experiences are an advantage to the group. These help guide both our work and Victoria Legal Aid’s other complementary service, the Mental health and disability law team.

How the group assists us with our work

Speaking from Experience has monthly meetings. In these meetings services, quality improvement and responsiveness are openly and honestly discussed.

Working within a human rights framework the group:

  • Supports priorities for service improvements and activities.
  • Informs policy development and review.
  • Provides leadership in development of related staff training and education.

The group’s views and advice help shape and inform our approach and decisions.

Recent projects

The group gave significant input and leadership over the Information and self-advocacy project – Self-Advocacy for the NDIS (mental health). Learn more about the project.

More information

For more information please contact:

Sim Crawford, Consumer Consultant, by:

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