Podcast opportunity for lived experience perspectives of local mental health services in South Eastern NSW
24 August 2023
People with a lived experience of accessing public mental health services, or supporting someone to access public mental health services, in South Eastern NSW are invited to share their story to benefit others.
COORDINARE - South Eastern NSW PHN is partnering with Co-Equal to develop a series of podcasts for people to share lived experience perspectives on what it’s like to access local mental health services in South Eastern NSW, and contribute ideas about how to improve help-seeking experiences for all.
The podcasts are designed to be a lived experience-led educational tool for mental health service providers to inform person-centred, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed service design and delivery for public mental health services.
Courtney Cross, Regional Peer Workforce Project Coordinator said, “There will be opportunities for the community to share ideas and contribute to the content explored on the podcast.
“This podcast is about providing a platform to amplify lived experience voices and spotlight the wisdom and expertise of the lived experience community. Using the vehicle of storytelling we aim to educate and build empathy and open up a dialogue between consumers, carers and mental health professionals.
“It is an opportunity to centre lived experience voices in conversations about service design and delivery, in an effort to work towards a mental health ecosystem that is renowned for providing person-centred, recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care that is truly listening to and responsive to the needs of the community,” she said.
“Our services have existed through one of the most challenging times our mental health system has faced, responding to drought, bushfires and a global pandemic. This dialogue is an important way for us to continue to work relationally and creatively to build the capacity for the system to heal itself.”
“The rapid growth of the mental health peer workforce is deeply encouraging, but not without its challenges. The podcast will also explore important considerations for supporting and sustaining the peer workforce in our unique regional and rural context.”
Ms Cross added, “We are committed to ensuring that all voices are getting a seat at the table by reducing barriers to participation and acknowledging and valuing the contributions of people with a lived experience to improving our systems and services and will be offering remuneration for all involved.”
“The best way to find out more about the opportunity is to come along to an information session where you can ask questions and hear about the processes that will wrap-around you as a participant.”
The 60-minute information sessions will be held:
- 10am or 6pm on Tuesday 29 August
- 10am or 6pm on Tuesday 5 September
- 10am or 6pm on Thursday 7 September
- 4pm on Wednesday 13 September
- 4pm on Thursday 14 September
To access COORDINARE’s online service summary click here.
To express your interest in contributing to the podcast or to register for an information session click here!