Applying for the National Register of Mental Health Consumer & Carer Representatives

Thank you to everyone who responded to Mental Health Australia’s recent call for applications to the National Register. Applications to the National Register closed at 12pm AEDT Wednesday 15 February 2017.

Thank you for your interest in applying for the National Register.

This is an exciting opportunity to use your lived experience, knowledge of the mental health system and communication skills to advocate for the issues and concerns of mental health consumers and carers in Australia.

Sixty mental health consumer and carer representatives will be chosen from across Australia to join the National Register. Applications are open to both existing and experienced representatives as well as emerging representatives who have not been involved formally but who now want to make a contribution.

What opportunities does the National Register provide for its members?

As a member of the National Register, you will have opportunities to:

  • complete comprehensive induction training
  • apply for national level mental health consumer and carer representative positions (e.g. on national committees, boards, working groups and evaluations, as well as speaking opportunities at conferences and events)
  • attend the Annual Issues & Opportunities Workshop (registration and travel costs covered)
  • network with peers and the broader mental health sector
  • be mentored by experienced peer leaders, or mentor emerging leaders

Additionally, this year applicants for the National Register also have the opportunity to apply to attend a Consumer & Carer Leadership Colloquium on 21 March 2017. Expressions of interest (EOIs) for this opportunity are incorporated into the National Register application form. Please be assured that your interest (or not) in the Colloquium will not affect the assessment of your National Register application in any way.

Please note: Colloquium EOIs will be assessed immediately after the National Register membership has been selected. Only successful applicants for the National Register will be able to have their Colloquium EOIs considered. EOIs will be assessed on their merits, with preference given to emerging leaders (please be assured that this preference does not also apply to the National Register application process, where applications from existing / experienced representatives as well as emerging representatives will be assessed equally). You will be advised about the outcomes of your EOI and National Register application at the same time.

For more information on the Colloquium, please click here.

Who are we looking for?

Successful applicants for the National Register will have the capacity and commitment to actively participate in the program, with demonstrated prior achievements and contributions to representing mental health consumers and carers. They will understand and support the principles of quality consumer or carer participation, and have the ability to represent consumer and carer issues beyond their own personal experience.

Mental Health Australia aims to develop a vibrant and representative National Register, and applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How do I apply for the National Register?

Applications are to be lodged online using the link below and are due by 12pm AEDT (midday) Wednesday 15 February 2017.

You must submit a letter of support from a mental health or consumer / carer organisation in order for your application to be considered. The letter of support template is available here. You will be asked to upload your completed support letter at the conclusion of the online application form (link below).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Late applications will generally not be accepted however, if there are exceptional circumstances please contact the National Register secretariat (contact details below) to request an extension. It cannot be guaranteed that an extension will be granted.

All applications will be assessed through a transparent and thorough consumer and carer driven selection process, and confidentiality will be respected at all times. 

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application following the selection process, however, please note that due to the number of applications anticipated, it will not be possible to provide detailed feedback on individual applications.

If you have any questions about the National Register or the application process, please contact the National Register secretariat at Mental Health Australia by phone: (02) 6285 3100 or email: natreg@mhaustralia.org.

Apply to be a member of the National Register

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the information available on the website, including the Frequently Asked Questions prior to completing their application.

Also available is the list of questions you will be asked in the online application form. These lists are for your reference only - all applications must be submitted online using the link above.

Application questions for current and previous members

Application questions for new members

 

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