We’re looking for community members to help shape mental health and specialised services at West Moreton Health.
We believe that the best healthcare is designed with the people who use it, and that’s why we want to hear from you.
We’re recruiting members to our new Consumer and Carer Advisory Network (CCAN) for Mental Health and Specialised Services.
Your experiences, ideas, and feedback will help shape the way we design and deliver health services in our region.
What the advisory network does
The Consumer and Carer Advisory Network is a group of people with lived experience of mental health challenges or substance misuse.
Members will work closely with clinical and non-clinical staff and leaders across the health service. Members share their lived experiences, offer advice, and provide feedback to help us:
- identify issues and opportunities for better care.
- ensure patients, carers, and families have a say in decisions that affect them.
- support training and development of health care professionals.
- improve health services so they better meet community needs.
By joining the network, you’ll give a voice to the consumer and carer perspective and help create meaningful change in how healthcare is delivered across our region.
Who can join
We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds who have:
- a personal experience of mental health challenges, alcohol and other drug misuse, using our service, periods of healing/personal recovery or,
- experience of supporting someone through mental health challenges, alcohol and other drug misuse, use of our service, periods of healing/personal recovery.
We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all cultural backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
Payment and support
Membership of the network is voluntary and not a paid position. However, you may be invited to participate in specific projects or initiatives as a paid consumer representative.
In these instances, you will be remunerated at a rate of $65 per hour.
We are committed to supporting all network members, particularly when sharing lived experience that may be personal or sensitive.
As part of your involvement, we will provide:
- Orientation and training relevant to the activity you’re engaged in.
- Clear information about your role, responsibilities, and expectations.
- Ongoing support including debriefing and supervision if required.
- Access to our Mental Health and Specialised Services Lived Experience Workforce for any questions or concerns.
- Opportunities for further training and education relevant to your role.
How the network works and what’s involved
Consumer and Carer Advisory Network members will be invited to support a variety of planning, evaluation and training and service delivery initiatives.
The time commitment will vary depending on the activity but would likely be a maximum two hours, once a month for 12 months.
As a network member, you might:
- attend and participate in meetings
- share your experiences and perspectives to improve services
- collaborate with West Moreton Health leaders on key health priorities
- review web pages, patient brochures or other documents.
How to apply or find out more
To apply, complete and submit this form.
For further information contact the Lived Experience Workforce Team Leader, Ian Schiffmann via email MHSS_LEWTeam@health.qld.gov.au