Consumer and carer involvement
Western Australian representative on the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum
The WA Mental Health Commission, working in partnership with the state peak mental health consumer and carer organisations, is looking to select a consumer and carer representative for the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF).
The NMHCCF is the combined national voice for consumers and carers participating in the development of mental health policy and sector development in Australia. More information about the work of the NMHCCF can be found at www.nmhccf.org.au
Mental health consumers and carers interested in being the NMHCCF representatives for Western Australia should view the outline of NMHCCF member position, responibilities, selection process, criteria and application process.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 30 April 2012.
Western Australian Association of Mental Health Consumers
The Western Australian Association of Mental Health Consumers has been set up to give mental health consumers a greater role in decision making about mental health.
Consumers of Mental Health WA (CoMHWA), had been appointed to set up and run the association.
The Mental Health Commission has allocated $1,370,000 over five years for the initiative which is designed to bring together the mental health consumer voice to influence Government and public sector agencies, private organisations and the community sector.
Instead of setting up a council of people we can appoint and remove, the Commission has provided the necessary resources for an organisation to become self-sufficient and autonomous.
The Mental Health Commission has also recently appointed a dedicated Consumer Advisor who has a lived experience of mental illness. Louise Howe will help contribute the consumer voice to mental health policy, planning and implementation.
The Commission is also working to strengthen the rights of consumers and carers in legislation and has met with both groups to seek their views on some of the options to improve mental health legislation.
To contact the Mental Health Commisssion call (08) 6272 1200 or email: ContactUs@mentalhealth.wa.gov.au.