Hi, I’m Hayley Harris! Driven by purpose and passion, my journey to where I am today has been both challenging and rewarding. For as long as I can remember, I have experienced mental health challenges, which have included episodes of psychosis and severe depression and anxiety. But with the support of local community mental health organisations, my family, and art therapy, I have discovered what a good life means for me.

My professional journey includes frontline support work, along with roles as a facilitator, trainer, and a Lived Experience Lead. Beyond mental health, I have experience working and volunteering in disability services, aged care, and the youth sector, and I was even employed as an Auslan (Australian Sign Language) Interpreter.

Current Roles:

-Lived Experience Project Lead, MIFA (2023 - Present) Delivering the Finding North projects to a national audience.

-Board Member, Consumers of Mental Health WA (2023 - Present) Contributing to strategic decisions and advocacy efforts in mental health.

-Owner, Hayley Harris Training (2018 - Present) Delivering training and supervision with a focus on lived experience and mental health.

Previous Roles:

-Lived Experience (Peer) Lead, MIFWA (2023 - 2024) Assisted MIFWA in developing their lived experience workforce.

-Peer Facilitator and Trainer, MIFWA (2015 - 2024) Designed and facilitated peer recovery workshops and support groups. Delivered accredited trainings such as Mental Health First Aid and SafeTALK, as well as trainings for the workforce to develop their practice.

-Peer Mentor, NDIS, Self-Funded (2021 - 2022) Provided personalised guidance and support to a participant navigating the NDIS.

-Educational Interpreter - Auslan, Scotch College (2016 - 2018) One-on-one interpreting for students throughout all classes and excursions. Created resources to assist with learning and organized Auslan Club for other staff and students.

-Disability Support Worker, NDIS, Self-Funded (2015 - 2017) Supported autistic young person with daily activities.

-Disability Support Worker, Rise Network (2015 - 2016) Delivered care and capacity-building activities for people with disabilities.

I am currently employed as Lived Experience Project Lead with MIFA. I also Mental Health First Aid training with Beyond All Bounds. In addition, I sit on the board of CoMHWA (Consumers of Mental Health WA) and work as a lived experience representative for various committees.

I am a Certified Personal Medicine Coach, qualified Peer Supervisor, and hold a Diploma in Auslan, a Certificate IV in Education Support, a Certificate IV in Mental Health, and completed the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program.

In 2023 I completed the Peer Supervision course with Consumers of Mental Health WA (CoMHWA).

During a Peer Supervision session with me, you can expect to co-produce the sessions according to your preferences, ensuring your needs are heard and your voice uplifted. I suggest dedicating our first session to getting to know each other and co-producing a supervision plan. In this plan, we'll identify our needs and expectations for Peer Supervision. This time allows both of us to assess whether this partnership feels right. If you, as the supervisee, feel I'm not the right fit, please feel encouraged to raise this, and we can decide together whether to proceed with further sessions (no hard feelings—it has to be the right fit for you!)

At the start of each session, I like to create space for a check-in to understand your expectations.

We'll then explore together any emerging issues, including considerations related to 'peer drift.' I'll ask questions aimed at helping you reflect on your practice and delve deeper into your lived expertise.

At the session's end, we may take some time to reflect on the session's value and discuss what worked well or what could be improved.

By choosing me as your Peer Supervisor, you're investing in a qualified and dedicated professional with a deep desire to learn and grow.