This is part two of a two-part article that draws on my recent presentation at the TheMHS 2021 conference. Part one is here. I’ve written before that evaluators perhaps don’t attend enough to issues of power in their projects. When thinking about how to write about the challenges I’ve faced as a lived experience evaluator, … Read more
It’s increasingly becoming ‘business as usual’ in the mental health sector to speak of the role of lived experience when conducting evaluations. I’m particularly passionate about the role of lived experience in evaluation, as someone who at various times has worn the hats of participant, evaluator and commissioner. I love evaluation because it has the … Read more
When the final report from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System was first released, I had lots of initial thoughts – some positive, some negative. But the area where I felt most disappointment was workforce. At the time I planned to write something summarising my thoughts, but life got away from me. Since … Read more
I’m a big Masterchef fan. I love food, I love stories, I love Melissa Leong’s choice in BIG earrings – what isn’t there to love?! So it was with some trepidation that I approached the last 15 minutes of tonight’s episode. Channel 10 had been promoting an emotional farewell all weekend. It was apparent that … Read more
I’m a qualitative researcher by background and doing one-on-one interviews is my research happy place. I’m currently knee-deep in interviews across a couple of projects, and I’ve been reflecting on how my lived experience as a mental health consumer helps make me a better interviewer, and create a better interview experience for participants. Many consumers … Read more
I had intended that my next piece of writing be from my long list of ideas, about suicidal ideation or about the Royal Commission report. Alas, the last few weeks have compelled me to write something else. I have been sexually assaulted at least twice in my life. Once as a student, following a debating … Read more
I have a list as long as my arm of blog posts I have been meaning to write of late, not least a reflection or two on the recent Royal Commission Report into the Victorian Mental Health System. Unfortunately, they are all on the backburner a bit as I focus on client work. In the … Read more
Last week, I was privileged to be invited to participate in a webinar organised by ARTD to discuss inclusive choices in evaluation, particularly in the context of Covid-19. By far the highlight for me was learning from the others on the panel – Julie Duong (Empowering Solutions), Therese Kennedy (Information Access Group) and Simon Green … Read more
I’ve been lucky throughout my career to work with managers who have been focused on my professional development. But whenever we sat down for a semi-regular performance chat, one question would always stump me – “What are you doing well?” I could point to hundreds of flaws, but ask me to say a nice thing … Read more
Tired of reading my writing? Hear me speak instead! Such a privilege to participate in this Beyond Blue webinar on supporting someone with a mental illness to stay at or return to work.
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Always was, always will be
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which I live and work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, and pay my respects to elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded. Colonisation and dispossession have an ongoing impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples and these lands.
