These are free events designed for the consumer workforce working in public mental health in Victoria (eg. consumer lived experience staff employed at Area Mental Health Services, Forensicare or mental health staff from RCH).

Consumer workers outside of public clinical services (MHCSSs, AOD, ACCHOs etc.) or other partner organisations may also attend.

Participants need to be working in the mental health sector whether as volunteers, on committees, or in salaried roles.

Delivery Mode – Two x 1/2 Day virtual sessions (1pm to 5pm - Thurs 11 & 18 April) - NOTE: PARTICIPANTS NEED TO ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS.

This course comprises three modules which taken together provide a critical foundation for all consumer workers. The three modules are:

1. History of the consumer movement

2. What is consumer perspective (the discipline)

3. What is the consumer workforce? (the roles)

All our courses are interactive, based on adult learning principles and learner focussed. We believe that adults approach learning with a wealth of knowledge and experience to contribute. A combination of learning styles will be incorporated into the training including interactive, experiential and didactic. Our approach recognises the constant interweaving of theory and practice cultivating critical thinking and reflection, appreciating the contested nature of ideas and world views, and perspective taking through adopting ethical, human rights and social justice lenses.

This event will cover:

History of the consumer movement

This module introduces learners to the history, principles and key concepts from the consumer movement. This includes an introduction to critical consumer texts, important debates, and contemporary challenges and opportunities.

What is consumer perspective (the discipline)?

This module builds on the ‘history of the consumer movement’ module by introducing learners to values, principles and ethics informing consumer perspective and how these can be applied in practice.

What is the consumer workforce? (the roles)?

This module will draw together what has been learned in the first two modules and introduce learners to the history, breadth and depth of consumer workforce roles and opportunities. Learners will explore career options, how different roles intersect, as well as exploring ethical issues in consumer work. The course will introduce learners to common debates, opportunities and challenges for the workforce.

A zoom link will be to registrants a few days before the training.

Facilitators:

Cath Roper, Vrinda Edan & Indigo Daya, Athena Consumer Workforce Consulting

Athena Consumer Workforce Consulting is a consumer/survivor partnership committed to supporting the growth of consumer perspective leadership across the Victorian mental health sector and community.

Our team has extensive experience and expertise across all aspects of consumer work in the mental health system, including peer support, policy advice, research, education, consumer consultancy, leadership and governance.

We provide specialist training and consultancy services. We work with the consumer workforce, organisations and government to explore the needs of the consumer workforce and develop customised responses.

Find out more about Athena here - https://www.athenacwc.com.au/about