We have gained global recognition as an organisation and source of diverse lived experience expertise. We are often invited to participate in local, international and high-level discussion platforms, and to review and provide strategic and technical guidance into policies, reports and related documents.

Lived Experience Engagement:
​What is our value?

The purpose of this report is to inform funders, donors and relevant stakeholders of the experiences faced by lived experience and/or peer-led organisations in:
a) seeking and securing funding towards their work and
​b) to advise them on how they could better support lived experience initiatives. 

In spite of the growing inclusion of lived experience into engagement and high-level meetings to guide positive change, the concern now is the element of non-remuneration for work done. The objective of sharing the insights in this report is not only to encourage more support for lived experience/ peer-led organisations and those working with people with lived experience, but also start a meaningful conversation on this matter.
REPORT: What is our value?
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Working & Engaging with Persons with Lived Experience

We place an emphasis on meaningful and authentic lived experience engagement, and offer recommendations as to how this can be achieved, for example through reasonable accommodations.

We developed a set of considerations for those who are or plan to work and engage with (us) persons with lived experience with mental health conditions, which will help us to be more productive, effective and efficient. These measures can specifically assist in reducing anxiety, help manage concentration and memory problems, and improve confidence. Most importantly, we will feel valued and respected.
Considerations - working & engaging with lived experience
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Policy Document for Lived Experience Engagement
File Size: 277 kb
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Lived Experience Representation

We are represented on various international Boards and Committees, providing lived experience perspectives, these include: Healthy Brains Global Initiative; Movement for Global Mental Health; World Psychiatry Association; Countdown Global Mental Health 2030; Global Mental Health Action Network; Speak Your Mind Global Campaign; Human Rights in Mental Health-FGIP.

We have been involved in a number of research projects and reports. ​
Our Founder/CEO, Charlene Sunkel, co-leads The Lancet Commission on Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health, with Prof Sir Graham Thornicroft, and is a Commissioner on The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Psychosis. She was also involved in The Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development and The WPA/Lancet Psychiatry Commission on the Future of Psychiatry.

High-level Discussions

We have participated in high-level meetings, events and discussion platforms, at both national and international levels, where we have provided lived experience perspectives and recommendations to improve mental healthcare and conditions that protects and respects human rights.