consumer day is back!
monday 18 august

Join us for discussions, connection, and inspiration at the Consumer Workforce Forum ahead of The Collab 2025.

Last year, we heard from influential Lived Experience leaders discussing key topics like the meaning of ‘risk’ and ‘duty of care.’ We also witnessed the launch of the Abolitionist Perspectives Report and learned how it came to life. Consumer LEW members shared stories of their work, and we engaged in a thought-provoking panel on the challenges and opportunities of mental health reform.

This year’s conference theme, Consumer Workforce Forum – Our Discipline, Our Knowledge, Our Strength, emphasises the power, resilience and invaluable expertise of our community.

At this event, the CAP team will be thrilled to celebrate with you the upcoming launch of the Consumer Lived Experience Workforce Discipline Framework (Victoria) in March 2025 and talk a bit about how we got there. This milestone represents a significant step forward for our workforce, acknowledging and celebrating the unique contributions of the lived experience workforce.

Let’s come together to honour our discipline, amplify our voices, and chart a bold path forward as we continue to shape and strengthen the consumer lived experience workforce.

Marvel Stadium

location

The Collab Pre-Event Consumer Day is back — with a new name and hopefully an even bigger impact! Introducing the Consumer Workforce Forum – a dedicated space for consumer workforce members to connect, share, and help shape the future of mental health care.

abstract submissions

Abstract submissions are now open for the Consumer Workforce Forum 2025. This year’s theme, Consumer Workforce Forum– Our Discipline, Our Knowledge, Our Strength, celebrates the depth, resilience, and expertise of our workforce. Under the guiding narrative of: "The Journey of the Consumer Workforce: No longer emerging and here to stay,"we invite abstracts that explore this evolution.

We welcome presentations in a variety of formats – including individual talks, panels, creative pieces, and story-sharing – and strongly encourage submissions from across the consumer lived experience workforce. We encourage you to share your work, reflections and thoughts with the audience around any topic.



A couple of prompts to assist you with the abstract submission:
  • Would you like to 'show off / demonstrate' examples of your work with the consumer workforce community?
  • Do you have a gnarly issue to raise?

First time presenters are strongly encouraged to apply and will be eligible to win the First Time Presenters Award. 

NOTE: Use of AI 
Be careful to review accuracy of any abstract material where you have used AI.

Submission Guidelines
  • Abstracts are not to exceed 200 words
  • Presentations are expected to be 20 minutes
    (inc questions)
  • Group presentations are permitted

submissions close friday 20 june

We are pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries to support attendance at the upcoming Consumer Workforce Forum 2025.

Who can apply?
Bursaries are open to consumers or people with lived experience who are currently working in a state-funded mental health service in Victoria, or who have an interest in joining the workforce.

This is a valuable opportunity to participate in a dedicated event that celebrates and strengthens the consumer lived experience workforce, providing space to connect, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of mental health care.

Apply now for your chance to secure 1 of 5 free tickets to attend the Consumer Workforce Forum hosted by CentreMHN; with thanks to major sponsor VMIAC.

We look forward to welcoming you to this important event!

Bursary Applications Now Open for the Consumer Workforce Forum 2025!

applications close friday 20 june

The Consumer Workforce Forum is proudly sponsored by

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