Lived Experience Congress
Representatives from each National Body will convene three times yearly to form the Lived Experience Congress, a global forum dedicated to knowledge exchange, policy development, and collaboration. This Congress will ensure that lived experience leadership remains at the forefront of mental health innovation and systemic change worldwide. By providing a structured discussion and strategic planning space, the Congress will strengthen global networks and drive meaningful progress in the lived experience movement.
At each gathering, representatives from the six independent bodies will share updates on their respective initiatives, highlighting emerging trends, challenges, and successes. This knowledge exchange will enable national bodies to learn from one another, refine their approaches, and implement best practices adaptable to local contexts. The Congress will also serve as a platform for shaping policy, with members working together to develop strategies that support lived-experience leadership and ensure that global and national policies align with the movement's needs and aspirations. Beyond policy development, the Congress will explore innovations in mental health care, including consumer-driven initiatives, alternative approaches, and advancements in peer work. By fostering dialogue around emerging technologies and evolving support models, Congress will ensure that the lived experience sector remains dynamic, progressive, and responsive to community needs. contribute to a shared vision for the future of mental health.
The Lived Experience Congress will be a pivotal event, held three times a year, bringing together representatives from the six independent bodies, global networks, and national bodies to foster collaboration, innovation, and advancement within the sector. This forum will serve as a critical space for exploring the latest developments, tackling challenges, and setting the direction for future initiatives. These discussions will help to establish a cohesive global movement where national efforts
The congress will facilitate:
Exchange of Ideas
A dynamic environment where representatives from different sectors of the lived experience movement can share their experiences, perspectives, and successful initiatives. This exchange will promote cross-pollination of ideas and solutions, fostering innovation in mental health services, advocacy, and peer support.
Debate on Policy and Legislation
This platform discusses the latest policy developments, legislative changes, and emerging trends. Representatives will debate and consult on how policies can better serve individuals with lived experience, advocating for changes, prioritising consumer-driven care, and dismantling existing barriers to mental health support.
Continuous Development of Best Practice
The congress will be instrumental in identifying, refining, and disseminating best practices. By sharing success stories and evidence-based approaches, participants will work towards creating universally applicable models of care, peer support, and advocacy that can be implemented at the local, national, and global levels.
Continuous Devekopment of Guidelines for National Networks
Regular updates to the operational guidelines for national networks will ensure that they stay aligned with evolving needs, standards, and innovations. The congress will also evaluate and propose new strategies for enhancing communication and coordination across national agencies, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in delivering services and initiatives.
Each Congress meeting will be structured to include comprehensive reports from the six focus areas, policy discussions to identify collective actions, and strategic planning sessions to coordinate global efforts. Through this process, the Congress will play a vital role in promoting international collaboration, supporting lived experience leadership, and ensuring that the sector continues to evolve in ways that are meaningful and impactful. By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering a spirit of cooperation, the Global Lived Experience Congress will serve as a unifying force, driving the lived experience movement forward and ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience remain central to shaping mental health policies and practices worldwide.
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