You could be our next national mental health leader.

By PROF. ALLAN FELS, Chair of the National Mental Health Commission

Close of half of us will experience mental illness during our lives, and 3.2 million Australians will have a mental health difficulty in any given year. Virtually every family has their own story.

That’s why the National Mental Health Commission is seeking nominations of those with lived experience of mental health issues, either as a person living with mental illness or as a family member or support person, for a national mentoring and development program.

We want to support existing leaders and advocates, and find the next generation of national mental health leaders.

Run in collaboration with the Mental Health Council of Australia and with the support of the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum, this initiative will help ensure that people have a voice and remain at the centre of decision-making about all the policies and services that impact on them.

Nominees can be a seasoned advocate wanting to take the next step, or those who have not been involved formally, but want to make a contribution. The most important thing is that we have more voices, representative of a broad range of experiences contributing to mental health decision making in Australia.

Around 10 successful nominees will have opportunity to contribute to the National Mental Health Commission’s work and participate in an individual mentoring and leadership development program. This may include co-chairing or membership of advisory groups to the Commission.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to helping all Australians achieve the best possible mental health and wellbeing. If you or anyone you know might be interested, I encourage you to visit this site  to find out more. Because it will be all of us, working together and making our voices heard that will truly make a difference.