The role of the consumer representative is inherently political.
At its worst, it is a tokenistic expression of co-option and, at its best, it challenges the status quo of power relationships and leads to the development of thoughtful and empowering practices and programs – led by those with lived experience.
In Australia, and internationally, there is a growing recognition of recovery principles as a potent guiding philosophy. The lived experience movement has catalysed this development.
While professionals and their organisations are increasingly expressing the language of recovery and recognition of mental health consumer agency, there is an ongoing tension between the role of experts and that of lived experience representatives.
There are embedded power practices in the manner that consumer representation is “allowed” in. This paper will examine some of the enabling and disabling practices that can stifle the development – and replenishment – of an effective consumer voice.
The paper will examine the tension between institutions and an organised, or disorganised, consumer voice.

Break Thru People Solutions' research team reports on the outcomes of a pilot project, Managing Personal Information: Good practice disclosure strategies for jobseekers with mental health and/or drug & alcohol problems, to aid recovery through employment. As Jobseekers with mental illness face potential stigma and prejudice in the workplace, they can be reluctant to disclose their personal information. This presentation will outline an alternative strategy to managing personal information that puts the job seeker at the centre of the decision making process, using a strengths based approach (Waghorn & Spowart, 2010).
The presentation will also highlight the benefits of consumer participation in research as reported by Break Thru's consumer researcher at a NSW Department of Health research forum
“...I know now after talking to so many different clients and having them open up to me, how important this project was not only to them but myself as well” (Break Thru Consumer Researcher, November 2013)
Forum participant, Deputy Commissioner for the NSW Mental Health Commission reinforces the value of consumer involvement in research by responding; "I was moved to tears by the presentation ......It reinforced my strong belief that research = recovery"

From 2012 to 2015 SANE Australia and Neami National partnered to deliver a Peer Health Coach pilot project through funding from the Department of Health.

The aims of this innovative program are to increase health literacy and improve participant’s skills and understanding in managing their health through one on one and/or group Peer Health Coaching sessions.

The pilot period of the project has finished and the results are in from the pre and post participant questionnaires, session ratings and qualitative data capturing the outcomes and positive results around improvements in health literacy.

Turning research into reality
There is little evidence-based literature on the effectiveness of peers coaching and supporting consumers around a self directed physical health goal. By demonstrating success in one mental health organisation, SANE has used the learnings and outcomes to develop a Peer Health Coach training package. It includes Peer Health Coach training and a Peer Health Coach Implementation Guide for use by community mental health organisations.

The training is intended for qualified Peer Support Workers who have peer support experience and wish to specialise as a Peer Health Coach, and can be tailored to meet the individual requirements of Community Mental Health organisations.

Studies have shown that people with severe mental illness have a mortality rate two to three times as high as the general population. This translates to a 13-30 year shortened life expectancy, and about 60% of this excess mortality is due to physical illness . The benefits of peer support work have been recognised and utilised in mental health recovery for many years now. The peer workforce is the most rapidly growing workforce in the mental health sector. The focus of health coaching is empowering and supporting consumers to make health behaviour changes designed to minimise chronic disease risk factors, better manage their health and promote optimal health outcomes. Neami National partnered with SANE Australia to implement a peer-led initiative to improve the physical health outcomes of people living with mental illness across Australia. As we near the end of the demonstration project, Peer Health Coaches discuss this exciting role in a presentation of their rich experiences that illustrate both their personal and professional growth.
“I learnt that the most important skill is listening to a consumer’s needs.” Peer Health Coach, VIC
Whilst we saw drastic consumer improvements in physical health and health literacy, there was an equally significant impact on the Peer Health Coach professional development as well as the wider organisation’s approach to physical health.
“The Peer Health Coach had a fantastic influence on the site, encouraging us to make healthier choices which we in turn role-model with consumers.” Support Worker
Peer Health Coaching demonstrates the potential and capacity of the lived experience workforce to enable positive behaviour change and reduce the burden of disease among people living with mental illness.