Journey of Developing the Consumer Lived Experience Discipline Framework (Victoria)
The development of the Consumer Lived Experience Discipline Framework for Victoria has been a collaborative, multi-faceted project led by the Consumer Academic Program (CAP) team at the Centre for Mental Health Nursing (CentreMHN), commissioned by the Victorian Department of Health. This framework aims to provide clarity and structure for the consumer lived experience workforce and the broader mental health sector, outlining the values, principles, knowledge, and scope of practice that define consumer lived experience work across the state.
Collaborative Development Process
The CAP team has worked closely with a variety of stakeholders to develop this framework, ensuring it is reflective of lived experiences and grounded in academic knowledge. Notably:
- Collaboration with RMIT University: Consumer academics at RMIT University have played a vital role in shaping the framework’s theoretical foundations.
- Engagement with the Consumer Lived Experience Workforce: Insights and feedback from members of the consumer lived experience workforce have been integral in crafting a framework that truly represents their practice and challenges.
- Partnership with Other Lived Experience Disciplines: The CAP team has worked alongside other organisations developing frameworks for different lived experience disciplines. This includes SHARC (Self-Help Addiction Resource Centre), Harm Reduction Victoria, and Tandem, each of which has received funding from the Department of Health to create frameworks for their respective workforces.
Key Milestones and Public Presentations
The development of the framework has been an ongoing journey, marked by several significant milestones:
Presentation at the Mental Health Services Conference (TheMHS):
The CAP team, alongside partners from other disciplines, presented their journey at the annual Mental Health Services (TheMHS) conference in Canberra, sharing their progress and engaging with the broader mental health community.
Lived and Living Experience Workforce (LLEW) Celebration:
In September, the team presented a panel at the Department of Health’s LLEW celebration, highlighting the work that had been done to date and engaging stakeholders in the ongoing development process.