Carer

Consumer and carer participation is a central tenet in mental health policies and plans. Set standards and benchmarks are outlined in the National Standards for Mental Health Services (2010). Participation encompasses a range of processes in which consumers, carers and family members are engaged to have their say at both individual and system levels and in the planning, development, delivery and evaluation of services. This fact sheet was developed by Mental Health in Multicultural Australia (MHiMA), 2014

5 Ways to Wellbeing has developed five ways to improve psychological and emotional health that are based on extensive international research. The fact sheet has been translated into a number of different languages.

Consumer and carer participation with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities needs to be approached in a way that respects cultural differences and shows understanding of the needs of CALD consumers, carers and their families. Consumer and carer participation with CALD communities needs to start with the mental health services actively engaging with their local CALD communities to build trust and tailored partnerships. Strategies for improving participation need to be multifocal and address jointly agreed goals.