ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Inc.

04/03/2026

Have you heard we’re hosting a monthly Consumer-led Conversation series in 2026?

This week, the Regional and Remote Affinity Group and the Coercive Practices Affinity Group shared their insights.

If you missed it live, we’ve got you covered. You can catch the full conversation here 👉️ https://buff.ly/WHRoDAm

Each month we’ll be diving into important national policy development work for mental health consumers, hearing from Advisory and Affinity Groups from the consumer movement.

Join us for the next webinar in the series on 31 March from 4-5pm AEDT with Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Queensland (MHLEPQ), ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Inc. (the Network), and BEING - Mental Health Consumers Ltd (BEING) Consumer Advisory Groups. Register now 👉️ https://buff.ly/aY6BDVn

22/02/2026

📯Reminder to Register Now!📯

The second of our Consumer-led Conversations series for 2026 is this Tuesday 24 February from 5:00 - 6:00 pm AEDT.

This month, we'll be hearing from the Regional and Remote Affinity Group and the Coercive Practices Affinity Group about their important work and perspectives, so don't forget to secure your spot 👉 https://bit.ly/AllianceCLC2

11/02/2026

Are you over the age of 16 years, identify as having lived experience of mental illness as a consumer and who is a member of the Network?

Have an interest in reviewing policies, procedures and other matters, particularly as they affect mental health consumers in the ACT?

The Network currently has vacancies for consumers to nominate to join our Policy Reference Groups (PRGs).

We are looking for 4 consumers to join our In-person PRG and 4 consumers to join our Online PRG. Each of these PRGs meets on every alternating month.

Visit our website https://actmhcn.org.au/policy-reference-group/ for more information and to nominate.

Nominations close 11.50pm Sunday 22 February 2026.

28/01/2026

CoMHWA’s systemic advocacy team wants to hear your opinions about and experiences with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mental health supports!

Your responses will help shape a position paper written by our systemic advocacy team, as well as our ongoing advocacy in this space.

🕘 This survey will be open until 5pm on Sunday, February 8
🎁 We have a $50 giftcard to give out to 3 randomly selected respondents.

👉 Complete survey at the link below:
https://loom.ly/mocWK6s

28/01/2026

SURVEY
We’d like your help to shape recommendations for the creation of more flexible Mental Health Care Plans so that they genuinely reflect the realities of people with lived and living experience of mental health challenges.

An initiative of the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance of which BEING is a member, you can share your thoughts by completing a 10-15 minute survey. The survey is open to anyone over 18, living in Australia with lived or living experience of mental health challenges

Click the link to complete the survey https://bit.ly/4jMEDQ6

Taking part is completely optional and you are welcome to skip any questions or stop at any time. Some questions touch on personal experiences and may feel challenging. Please take care of yourself and reach out for support if you need to.

Thank you for sharing your voice. Your experiences, insights, and expertise are essential in shaping meaningful, inclusive reform and ensuring the system works for everyone.

27/01/2026

🆕 📢 A newly created role is now available at CHN!

ℹ️ In this position, you will play a pivotal role in supporting individuals with complex mental health needs in key contracts, evaluation and relationship management role.

Why work with us❓

At CHN you will have an opportunity to work with professional subject matter experts and experienced leaders who encourage and support you to develop your interests, expertise and achieve your ambitions.

Other benefits of working at CHN include:

▶ Flexible work arrangements

▶ Career growth and development opportunities

▶ Opportunity to work in a meaningful and impactful role

🤝 Join our team and help us improve primary health care delivery in the ACT.

🌐 For more information visit our website: https://www.chnact.org.au/careers/capital-health-network-positions-vacant/multidisciplinary-mental-health-services-relationship-coordinator/

27/01/2026

Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, the Minister for Mental Health invites expressions of interest for appointments to the positions of Chair and Members of the Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC).

The MHAC is established under the Mental Health Act 2015. The Council is a statutory advisory body to the Minister for Mental Health and as such does not have any decision-making authority. The Mental Health Advisory Council has the function of advising the Minister on:

Emerging or urgent mental health issues,
Mental health policy and service reforms,
Mental health legislative change,
Anything else in relation to mental health and social and emotional wellbeing as requested by the Minister.

A full description of the this role can be found via

The Council brings together knowledge, skills and experience in promotion of mental health, mental health care services and addressing mental illness.

27/01/2026

• Do you have lived experience of mental illness, past or present?
• Do you want to make a real difference in mental health services?
• Are you interested in learning more about Consumer Representation?

We’re pleased to let you know that the next round of training in Consumer Representation is now open for enrolments, and we’d love to have you join us.

This training is designed for mental health consumers who want to use their lived experience to help shape how mental health services are designed and delivered in the ACT.

Course Dates
Mondays: 9, 16, 23 February and 2, 16, 23 March
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Location: Online via Zoom

Register online at https://actmhcn.civicrm.com.au/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=912

Contact Petra by email to education@actmhcn.org.au or call (02) 6230 5796 with any questions you have or need help registering.

21/12/2025

The Network will be closed for the end of year period from Friday 19 December 2025 to Friday 2 January 2026 inclusive.

We wish everyone a safe and restful end of year.

21/12/2025

⏰ 10 DAYS TO GO

🚨 Only 10 days left to have your say.

Last year, people told us:
• 9 in 10 experienced discrimination
• 1 in 2 avoided mental health care due to fear of coercion
• More than 1 in 4 agreed to treatment to avoid being forced
• Half of people in inpatient units weren’t told their rights

These are not isolated incidents — they are systemic human rights breaches.

The Alliance’s 2025 Human Rights Survey is your chance to make these realities impossible to ignore and to help shape national reform led by mental health consumers.

🗣️ Your experience matters. Your voice drives change.

👉 Take the survey here:
https://buff.ly/kAKBZdx

21/12/2025

The holiday period isn’t always the happiest time of year, and that’s okay.

For many, it can bring extra stress, financial pressure or tricky family dynamics that make things feel heavier than usual. Amid the celebrations, it’s important to check in with yourself and prioritise your mental health and wellbeing.

Remember, you don’t have to go through it alone. At the Canberra City and Tuggeranong Mental Health Centres, we offer free and accessible mental health support for everyone, with no treatment plan or Medicare card needed.

If you or someone you know needs a little extra support this holiday season, reach out. We’re here to help 🤍

Visit canberrammhc.com.au to learn more about our services and how we can support you.

02/12/2025

We're holding our end of year barbecue tomorrow (3 December) at the Salthouse Community Centre in Haig Park. Braddon from 11am to 1pm. If you're in the area drop on by!