The primary focus for BEING – Mental Health Consumers is to ensure the voices of people with lived/living experience of mental health issues are heard by decision makers, service providers, and the community, with the intention that this will influence and lead to systemic change.

Our commitment to human rights underpins all that we do, so with this in mind, as part of Mental Health Month, we hosted an important discussion on a contentious question: “Does the Mental Health Act Help or Hinder Recovery?”

The Panel:

  • Catherine Lourey – Commissioner, Mental Health Commission of NSW
    “People with mental health issues should be treated with respect and dignity”
  • Maria Bisogni – Deputy President, NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal
    “Involuntary care should be the last resort”
  • Irene Gallagher – CEO, BEING – Mental Health Consumers
    “We cannot overstate the need for support services to be available for people experiencing mental health issues and emotional distress, before they reach the point of crisis”

All panellists agreed that this was merely the start of a much-needed broader conversation. Here at BEING – Mental Health Consumers, we are committed to continuing this dialogue, so stay tuned for further updates.