People living with mental illness, their families and friends can have their say about mental health issues by joining the new Mental Health Lived Experience Register.
SA Health’s Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Peter Tylliss said ‘lived experience’ refers to the knowledge and understanding people get when they have lived through something, such as mental illness.
“It is really important we work closely with those who have first-hand experience in managing mental illness on a daily basis to understand what is important to them,” Dr Tyllis said.
“This includes people who are living with a mental illness, as well as their friends and family or carers who support them.
“The Mental Health Lived Experience Register will enable us to talk with people who have lived experience about what is happening with mental health and substance abuse across SA Health.
“This may include asking for their feedback on our processes and policies or keeping them informed about new practices or changes in the public mental health system.
“It also provides people with an opportunity to share their views on a wide range of mental health issues, including what is important to them when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.”
There are a few different ways people can get involved through the Register.
“Some people may simply wish to receive information such as newsletters and emails to be kept informed, others may want to provide written feedback via surveys, while some may like to attend forums or meetings,” Dr Tyllis said.
“There is also an opportunity to sign up to be a Lived Experience Representative, where you would be providing your views in focus groups or committees, either as a one off contribution or as an ongoing committee member.
“It is really easy to join the Register- simply go to the SA Health website and fill out the membership form and email or mail it back to us.”
More information about the Mental Health Lived Experience Register, including the membership form, is available at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/livedexperience or by telephoning 8204 9787 or 8226 0713.