The Lived Experience Workforce (LEW) is comprised of consumer and carer workers who have their own personal experience of living with mental health challenges, or caring for people with mental health challenges.
Lived experience employees have a special understanding of the complexities and barriers people may face when accessing mental health services. The expertise and contribution of lived experience is recognised and valued in helping Northern Health improve the quality of its services.
What to expect from the service?
Some lived experience staff, such as Consumer and Carer Peer Support Workers, work directly with consumers and their families and carers respectively, to provide support through difficult times, information and linkages to other services, and assistance in navigating the mental health system.
Other lived experience roles, such as Consumer and Carer Managers and Project Officers, lead and participate in quality improvement projects across the division to advocate for consumer and carer rights, dignity and care.