Consumer Register 

The BEING Consumer Register is a space for people with lived experience of mental health challenges who would like to share their insights to help shape and improve the mental health system and services.

We recognise that lived and living experience is valuable in many different ways. You don’t need to have followed a formal pathway to contribute – your voice, perspective, and experiences matter.

The Consumer Register connects consumers with organisations seeking to meaningfully include lived experience in their work, including government departments, non-profit organisations, and the media.  

Opportunities for consumers may include: 

• Focus groups 

• Consultations 

• Codesign, co-production, and co-creation activities 

• Committee meetings 

• Speaking at events 

• Media opportunities. 

When BEING is approached about an opportunity, we look to the register to find people whose interests, experiences, and availability are aligned. We then support introductions between the consumer/s and the organisation. 

We are committed to safe, respectful and inclusive engagement. We expect organisations to follow our Engagement Guidelines, including recognising the value of consumers’ time and expertise through appropriate payment (unless they are participating as part of their job).

How the Consumer Register works  

1. An organisation contacts BEING at info@being.org.au with a request for a consumer representative. 
2. BEING reviews the request to ensure it aligns with our Engagement Guidelines. 
3. We share the opportunity with relevant people on the register. 
4. Interested consumers can express their interest in the opportunity.
5. BEING connects suitable consumers with the organisation. 
6. The organisation works directly with the consumer/s to organise logistics, including payment.
7. BEING will invoice the organisation an administration fee. There is an exemption for Mental Health Branch at NSW Health. 

Who can join the Consumer Register 

To join the register, consumers need to: 

1. Be a current member of BEING. [Not a member? Sign up here!]
   
2. Have, or be willing to build, skills in governance and participation. This can look different for different people. You might:

• Have experience participating in a mental health committee or working group, or similar spaces, for at least 2 years.

• Have completed or be willing to complete the following courses on BEING’s e-learning hub:  

1. Mental Health Advocacy 
2. Foundations of Co-Design 
3. Foundations of Effective Meetings 
4. Foundations of Committee Work 

Apply to be on the Consumer Register 

Click the button below to submit your application for the Consumer Register. You can share your experience in a way that feels comfortable and accessible to you. We understand that not everyone has had equal access to opportunities, so if you’re interested but unsure, we still encourage you to apply.