| LEN Connect - August 2025 |
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| Dear members of the Lived Experience Network, | | As we head into the second half of the year, there’s a lot to look forward to and celebrate within our network. We’re excited to share that Griffith University is the academic partner for the upcoming TheMHS Conference, a key event in the mental health calendar that brings together lived experience voices, researchers, and practitioners from a range of backgrounds. Donna and I are hoping to attend some sessions, so we would love to connect if network members are going to be there. | | It’s also been a pleasure getting to know and work alongside Donna, our new co-lead. Her energy and insight have already made a wonderful impact, and together we’re currently planning a research networking event for Mental Health Week—stay tuned for more details soon! | | This edition of the newsletter is packed with research opportunities and resources to support your work and engagement in the mental health space. Be sure to check them out and share widely with your networks. | | Warm regards, | | Vicky |
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| Eco-emotions and Suicidality Survey | | Griffith researchers are exploring the emotional responses triggered by the widespread effects of climate change. | | Participants will contribute to greater understanding of eco-emotions which may inform more effective suicide prevention strategies. | | Completing the survey gives you a chance to win 1 of 2 $50 prepaid gift cards. | | GU Ref No: 2025/368 |
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| National youth research project | | A-Part of the Crowd is a national youth research project that is inviting young people aged 18 to 25 to share their stories of loneliness during big life transitions (like finishing school, moving out, starting uni or work). | | Submissions can be in any format, like short written pieces, videos, artwork or audio and contributors receive a gift card for each meaningful submission! |
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| NHMRC Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research – Review. | | NHMRC and the Consumers Health Forum of Australia are reviewing the Statement on Consumer and Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research, and they want to hear from you! | | Visit NHMRC website to learn more & participate or express interest in an online submission below. |
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| Orygen Scholarships for Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (Consumer Peer Work) intake! | | Designed and delivered by peer workers, for peer workers and those with lived experience of mental ill-health, the course includes: | - Interactive virtual workshops
- Online self-paced learning
| | A supervised placement for students to apply their knowledge and skills in the real world. | Scholarship and enrolment applications close 10am (AEST) Mon 11 August 2025.
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| Embedding LLE workforces | Queensland Mental Health Commission | | Queensland Mental Health Commission is investing in free training to build organisational understanding, readiness and capability to support and realise the full potential of lived-living experience (peer) workforces. | | Their goal is to transform the mental health, alcohol and other drugs, suicide prevention, and broader human services workforces by embedding Lived-Living Experience (Peer) workforces as a respected and credible discipline. |
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| Discover the Lived Experience Leadership Digital Library | | This digital library emerged from the collaborative efforts of the Mental Health Lived Experience Engagement Network (MHLEEN) and National Mental Health Consumer & Carer Forum (NMHCCF). Recently coming under LEA's stewardship, it represents years of careful work to centralise quality, peer-reviewed materials that validate and support lived experience leadership across our sector. | | This 30-minute session is designed for anyone seeking to strengthen their leadership practice – whether you're a consumer exploring new pathways, a family member or carer advocating for change, a peer worker developing expertise, or a health professional committed to inclusive practice. |
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| Research Fellow (Part-time) | | Location: Griffith University, Brisbane South (Nathan) | | Commencement: September 2025 | | Description: The Research Fellow position involves coordinating and contributing to evaluation and codesign projects in mental health. The position is based at Griffith University's Nathan campus in the Translational mental health and codesign research group (ITHACA) in Griffith's Centre for Mental Health. The position is 1 - 3 days per week (0.2 - 0.6 FTE) through to June 2026, with potential for extension. | | Contact: Please send expressions of interest to justin.chapman@griffith.edu.au |
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| Monday 11 – Tuesday 12, August 2025 | | Gold Coast | | Innovation, Inclusion, Empowerment: the Future of Neurodivergent Mental Health. | | The Neurodivergence Wellbeing Conference (NWC25) creates space to honour the experiences of neurodivergent people and the professionals who support them. It explores key topics—from mental health in neurodivergent women and gender-diverse people to inclusive practices across sectors—all with the goal of shaping a more inclusive future in Australia and New Zealand. | | It's a shared journey toward better wellbeing, understanding, and innovation. |
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| Tuesday 26 August 2025 | | Brisbane | | This event aims to bring together health consumers, friends and family, carers and members of the community, researchers and health practitioners to explore the benefits and practicalities of involving consumers in health research. | | During the Consumer Expo you will hear from both consumers and researchers about the value of health consumers’ lived experiences in shaping health research. Hear from consumer/researcher teams, learn about co-design in research, make new connections and help set research priorities to create real outcomes. | | This FREE half day event is open to all! |
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| Tuesday 2 – Friday 5 September, 2025 | | Brisbane | | Imagine 2050... universal mental wellbeing is achieved with a resilient population and routine early intervention for mental ill-health. Integrated support services across various sectors provide highly personalised care, blending traditional and contemporary healing methods. People experience holistic, respectful, and culturally aligned support, primarily delivered in their community or chosen location. Stigma and discrimination are eradicated, fostering social connection and inclusion. The mental health system is well-resourced and informed by lived experiences. | | This vision will be explored at the conference, focusing on consolidating current practices and embracing new ideas to achieve this ideal mental health system. |
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| LEN World Mental Health Week event - October, 2025 | | Griffith University, South Bank | Join us in person for the morning to connect with our co-leads, researchers from the Griffith Centre for Mental Health and fellow LEN members. Together, we'll explore Collaboration and Evaluation in Lived Experience Research. There’ll be LE research case-studies, practical tools and resources on how to get started in research and opportunities to meet & mingle.
| | More details coming soon! |
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| Indigenous Wellbeing Conference 2025 | | Monday 20 – Tuesday 22 October, 2025 | | Brisbane | | The program for IWC25 is now live and highlights the importance of connection to country culture, spirituality and ancestry and the roles they play in wellbeing for all First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika people. | | From healing and culture, to systems change and grassroots innovation, the program reflects the wisdom of Elders, lived experience, and multidisciplinary knowledge holders. | | We’re walking together, across generations, across sectors, and across Country, toward stronger, more connected communities. | | Scholarships to attend are open for Lived Experience attendees until close of business Friday 15 Aug, 2025. |
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| Wednesday 5 - Friday 7 November, 2025 | | Hobart | | Are you passionate about improving rural mental health? Here’s your chance to take the stage at RMHC25! | | Researchers, practitioners, and advocates are invited to share their insights, case studies, and innovations at the Rural Mental Health Conference 2025, in November in Hobart, Tasmania. Presenters benefit with: | - Discounted registration
- Access to keynotes & all sessions
- Professional exposure & networking
- Wellbeing activities & 5-star experience
| | Applications are now open to present. | | Scholarships to attend are open until Friday 22 August 2025. |
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| Digital Health Week | | Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 February, 2026 | | Digital Futures: Rethinking Health and Care | | Digital Health Week 2026 is a free inperson event run across multiple sites; Sydney, Brisbane & Melbourne. | | This event brings together researchers, health services, industry, and the community to build person-centred eHealth collaborations. By fostering discussions around Digital Futures: Rethinking Health and Care, the conference seeks to drive positive change in the digital health landscape, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. |
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| Roses in the Ocean, in partnership with Beacon Strategies has launched the Lived Experience of Suicide Organisational Maturity Tool to support organisations and government departments to build a lived experience of suicide informed and inclusive culture. |
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| Lived Experience Australia's Online Learning Site | | Designed for consumers, families, carers, peer workers, clinicians, leaders and organisations. Access courses, webinars, and resources from anywhere at any time. | | Explore the catalogue of courses available for lived experience & peer workers designed to support you in your role. You may also be interested in accessing the consumers and carers modules or the clinicians, leaders and organisations modules. |
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| Let’s Talk About Voices | | If you hear voices, you are not alone. Studies show that around 5-15% of people will hear voices at some point in their lives. The Let’s Talk About Voices resource offers videos, worksheets, and tools to help you explore and understand your experiences. |
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| Don't forget to check out our own Lived Experience Network Resources page. Along with links to resources it also includes upcoming events with a focus on or contributions from lived experience experts. | | Please feel free to email us with any resources about co-design or co-production that you would like to share with fellow LEN members. Please note these resources will also be available to the public. |
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| YOU are invited to contribute to the LEN Connect. Please share your insights, reflections, and resources with us to shape the network as we work to increase impact and drive positive change. | | Please send all submissions to: LEN-GCMH@griffith.edu.au | | If you no longer wish to be contacted by the Lived Experience Network, please email LEN-GCMH@griffith.edu.au with Unsubscribe in the subject line. | | Keep up to date with GCMH on their socials. |
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