One of the core values of the NSQMHCMO standards is that services should be co-designed with, and inclusive of, people with lived experience of mental health. But what does that look like in practice, and how do you go beyond box ticking to create real, meaningful participation?

Why Lived Experience Matters

People with lived experience offer insights that professionals alone cannot provide. Their perspectives improve service relevance, safety, and quality, and align with rights based frameworks such as the UNCRPD.

Reference: United Nations. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). https://www.un.org/disabilities/documents/convention/convoptprot-e.pdf

Practical Ways to Embed Lived Experience

1. Governance and Decision Making
   • Include lived experience representatives on Boards and advisory committees
   • Compensate them fairly for their time and input
2. Recruitment and Training
   • Prioritise hiring peer workers
   • Involve people with lived experience in staff onboarding and ongoing training
3. Feedback and Quality Improvement
   • Use consumer experience surveys and follow up with measurable actions
   • Host lived experience led focus groups to review policies and procedures
4. Program Design
   • Co-design services, programs, and support materials with consumers
   • Test new initiatives with pilot groups that include lived experience input

Addressing Tokenism

It’s not enough to simply “have someone with lived experience on a panel.” Ask yourself:

• Are they heard?
• Are their suggestions acted upon?
• Do they feel safe to speak?

If not, adjust the environment by providing training, mentorship, and clear terms of reference.

Creating a Culture Shift

Embedding lived experience means changing culture:

• Move from a medical to a recovery oriented model
• Build in empathy, human rights, and shared decision making
• Celebrate stories of recovery and growth

Final Thoughts

Lived experience is not a checkbox. It’s a foundation of safe, quality mental health care. Done well, it empowers consumers, enriches services, and fulfils your obligations under the NSQMHCMO standards.