Supporting collaborative, rights-based mental health practice – the Consumers Can Ask tool

The Consumers Can Ask (ConCA) is a resource and self-advocacy tool to assist discussion about treatment, discharge planning and post discharge support. The resource contains questions you can ask, a guide to services and other important information for consumers (people who access hospital and community mental health services and alcohol and other drug services) and staff.

The Royal Commission into the Victorian Mental Health Service System called for improved communication between service users and service providers. Nexus, in close collaboration, with people with Lived and Living Experience across St Vincent’s VMIAC and APSU peak service organisations, has worked for the past 9 months to update the Consumers Can Ask and Carers Can Ask resources.

In this session you can expect to learn about:

• Best practice in assisting consumers with their treatment, rights and plans for recovery outcomes.  
• Applying human rights principles and the Victorian Mental Health Act requirements by using ConCA to ensure consumers understand their rights, treatment options, and support pathways.
• Collaborating effectively with consumers and carers by creating an environment where questions are welcomed and consumers feel empowered to actively participate in their own care.

Facilitator:

Lachlan Preece

Lachlan Preece has worked in various experience roles, beginning his mental career facilitating music therapy in an inpatient ward and moved onto peer support work and has since worked as Consumer Consultant for the Royal Melbourne and Northern Hospitals. He holds a Diploma in Counselling and Community Welfare and an Honours in Project Management. Lachlan is currently working for Nexus Integrated Care as Lived Experience Project Worker and Lived Experience Strategic Lead at Windana, an AOD sector not for profit.

For more information on this series, visit The Summer Series.