Introduction to Consumer Representation: Free Online Workshop
Introduction to consumer representation
Turn your healthcare experience into change
ONLINE workshop
Your experience of healthcare can help improve the system for other people.
This free introductory workshop will show you how consumer representatives use their experience as patients, carers and community members to influence healthcare services and decisions.
You will learn what consumer representation involves, how to contribute effectively and how to find opportunities to participate.
This workshop is for people who are new to consumer representation or want to understand whether it is right for them. You do not need previous committee, advocacy or healthcare experience.
Register for this free workshop and take your first step towards helping shape better healthcare in Western Australia.
Register now for our FREE ONLINE workshop!
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop may be right for you if you:
Have experience of using healthcare services as a patient, carer, family member or community member.
Want to help improve healthcare for other people.
Are interested in joining a committee, advisory group, project or consultation.
Have recently become a consumer representative.
Want to understand what consumer representation involves before applying for a role.
You do not need formal qualifications, committee experience or detailed knowledge of the health system.
What is a consumer representative?
A health consumer representative is a patient, carer or community member who contributes consumer perspectives to healthcare planning, policy, research or service improvement.
Consumer representatives may participate in committees, advisory groups, consultations, research projects and service-design activities.
They help organisations understand what healthcare is like for the people who use it.
What will you learn?
By the end of the workshop, you will have a clearer understanding of:
The role and purpose of a consumer representative.
How consumer representatives can influence healthcare.
The benefits and responsibilities of consumer representation.
Common barriers to participation and ways to address them.
How to contribute confidently and effectively.
How to care for your wellbeing while using lived experience.
Where to find consumer representative and engagement opportunities.
Next steps after the workshop
What can you expect?
This is an interactive and supportive workshop.
You will hear practical information, discuss examples and have opportunities to ask questions. You will not be expected to know specialist healthcare terms.
You choose how much personal information you share. You do not need to describe private or difficult healthcare experiences to participate.
Your presenter: Tania Harris
Tania Harris is HCCWA's Advocacy and Engagement Manager and Aboriginal and Disability Engagement Lead.
Tania is an Aboriginal woman originally from Queensland. Prior to coming to the Health Consumers’ Council, Tania worked on various Aboriginal programs from ear health to parenting support. She has a special interest in the areas of disability and young people, and how their engagement and empowerment in the health system can be supported and encouraged from an early age.
ONLINE workshop details
The workshop will be held online via Zoom. We will email the joining link to registered attendees before the workshop. You can join using a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Please tell us when you register if you need an adjustment to participate. This could include information in another format, additional breaks or other practical support.
Cost
Free
FAQs
- Do I need experience as a consumer representative?
No. This workshop is designed for beginners and people who are exploring consumer representation.
- Do I need healthcare qualifications?
No. Your experience as a patient, carer, family member or community member is the relevant starting point.
- Do I have to share my personal healthcare story?
No. You decide what you share. You can participate without discussing private or difficult experiences.
- Is the workshop free?
Yes. There is no cost to attend.
- Is this workshop only for patients?
No. It is also suitable for carers, family members and community members with experience or an interest in healthcare.
- Will completing the workshop guarantee me a consumer representative position?
No. The workshop will help you understand the role and prepare for opportunities, but individual organisations manage their own recruitment and selection processes.
- Are consumer representative roles paid?
Some roles provide payment or reimbursement, while others are voluntary. The arrangements depend on the organisation and activity.
- What should I do if I can no longer attend?
Please cancel your ticket or contact us as soon as possible. This allows us to offer your place to someone else.
- Can I attend if I live outside Perth?
Yes! This workshop is online, so you can participate from anywhere in Western Australia.
How to take your next steps into consumer representation
The workshop can be your first step into consumer representation.
After attending, you can:
Join the Health Engagement Network to find opportunities, consultations and community discussions.
Explore current consumer representative roles.
Attend further HCCWA training.
Subscribe to HCCWA updates.
You don't need to wait until you become a consumer representative to start having a say:
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