• The importance of
    lived experience

  • What does lived and living
    experience mean to us?

    At Open Minds, ‘lived or living experience’ or ‘person with lived or living experience’ refers to the personal perspectives and experiences of an individual who has a past or current mental health diagnosis, is on a recovery journey with thier mental health, or has recovered from mental illness and/or suicidality.

    Open Minds are striving to have lived and living experience inform every aspect of our organisation, from governance to service delivery. 

  • What does Peer Work
    mean to us?

    An essential criterion of a Peer Worker is having a lived or living experience of mental health needs and/or suicidality and experiences of recovery. ​The role predominantly centres on peer-to-peer relationships, connection, care and system navigation. ​ 

    At Open Minds, Peer Work is: 

    • non-clinical
    • with purpose
    • participant focused
    • used as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team setting 
    • open, inclusive, reliable and supportive
    • educates the community and the sector on what Peer Work is
    • provides individual care navigation across the various community and health systems
    • supports a person to keep focus on a goal and celebrate their small wins.
    Peer Worker opportunities

  • Helping foster belonging
    in the workplace

    We value the impactful contributions of people with lived and living experiences of mental ill health and suicidality.   

    Lived and living experience helps create a strong sense of community, belonging, and mutual respect. By incorporating diverse perspectives and the experiences of varied life journeys into our teams, we can build a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. 

    Part of our dedication to investing in the value of lived and living experiences is to ensure there is ongoing training and development across all areas of the organisation.  We also invest in organisational and governance structures that support lived and living experiences and high standards of peer work practice.  

    If you’re passionate about making a real difference with a team of like-minded people, you can explore our career opportunities and learn more about how you can join a community that values you and your expertise.

    Lived experience opportunities
    Meeting room