Global Policies
One key function of the Lived Experience Congress will be formulating global policies rooted in best practices determined by the six independent bodies and the national networks. These policies will be crucial in shaping the direction of the global lived experience movement.
The congress will convene experts, leaders, and stakeholders from across the lived experience sector, drawing on the collective knowledge and experiences of the six independent bodies and national networks. The aim will be to develop global policies that reflect the most effective and ethical approaches to advocacy, peer support, mental health recovery, and consumer-driven initiatives. These policies will address accessibility, inclusivity, peer workforce integration, anti-stigma campaigns, and alternative care models. The guidelines will be evidence-based, drawing on real-world experiences, research, and data from the global platform and national networks. They will also incorporate the latest advancements in mental health, technology, and innovative practices from around the world.
Best practices from different regions and sectors will be continuously reviewed, tested, and evaluated to inform the development of these policies. This will ensure that the policies reflect the most effective, culturally relevant, and sustainable approaches to lived experience and peer support. National networks and independent bodies will contribute to this process by sharing case studies, data, and feedback from their on-the-groundwork, ensuring that lived experiences and real-world insights inform the policies.
The congress will serve as an ongoing forum for policy updates, ensuring that global policies remain relevant and adaptable to emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities within the sector. Policies will be regularly reviewed and updated in real-time based on new research, technological advancements, community feedback, and developments in global mental health initiatives. This dynamic approach will ensure that policies evolve in line with best practices, emerging needs, and new understandings of mental health and recovery.
Once formulated and agreed upon, these global policies will be disseminated across international agencies, national networks, and stakeholder groups to ensure widespread adoption and implementation. This will be done through training programs, workshops, and best practice guidelines that ensure consistency and alignment across the lived experience sector. The policies will also be shared with governments, healthcare providers, advocacy organisations, and other relevant entities to guide their approaches to mental health services and support systems. Monitoring and Evaluation: The implementation of these policies will be regularly monitored, with feedback mechanisms in place to track their impact and effectiveness. This will allow ongoing refinement and adaptation based on outcomes and community feedback.
The congress will also facilitate collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, healthcare providers, consumer-run organisations, peer support groups, and academic institutions. This will ensure that the policies are both relevant and feasible, as well as sustainable in real-world settings. The global policies will encourage cross-sector partnerships, fostering a collaborative approach to mental health and recovery that transcends national borders and professional silos.
Through this process, the Lived Experience Congress will play a crucial role in ensuring that the lived experience movement operates under a unified and coherent global policy that is continually updated, widely implemented, and grounded in the sector's collective knowledge and expertise. This will enhance the effectiveness of initiatives worldwide and create a more equitable, inclusive, and responsive mental health system.
A Global Lived Experience Framework
As the lived experience movement continues to grow and strengthen, the development of a Global Lived Experience Framework will be a pivotal step in ensuring its sustainability, evolution, and long-term impact. After years of consolidating national networks and building a strong foundation for collaboration, this global framework will serve as a guiding document for the next 20 years. It will articulate a unified vision, establish strategic goals, define standards, and outline actionable strategies to support and empower lived experience communities worldwide.
The Global Lived Experience Framework will evolve through ongoing contributions from national networks, independent bodies, and the Lived Experience Congress. It will reaffirm the movement’s fundamental principles and set out clear, strategic priorities—balancing short-term needs with long-term aspirations. To maintain its relevance, the framework will be reviewed every five years, with a comprehensive update every 20 years to reflect new challenges, emerging innovations, and the evolving needs of the global lived experience community.
A key feature of the framework will be a robust data collection and monitoring system. The Global Data Collection and Reporting Ledger will be integral to tracking progress, identifying trends, and assessing the impact of policies and programs. By establishing clear data collection criteria, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), and implementing regular reporting and evaluation protocols, the framework will ensure transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. This data-driven approach will help identify service gaps, address inequalities in access, and inform strategies for continuous improvement, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and equitably.
To sustain the framework over the next two decades, a comprehensive funding model will be developed, including a Global Funding Pool. This centralised funding mechanism will support national networks, independent bodies, and global initiatives, ensuring equitable distribution of resources. By securing sustainable funding, the framework will enable ongoing advocacy, service development, and community-led initiatives that drive meaningful, lasting change.
A truly global movement must be shaped by those it seeks to serve. The framework will prioritise inclusive engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience, family members, peer workers, researchers, policymakers, and service providers. Regular consultations and feedback loops will be established to capture the experiences, needs, and insights of all involved parties. Special attention will be given to ensuring marginalised communities are represented, amplifying voices that have historically been excluded from decision-making processes.
The framework will emphasise the importance of research and innovation in advancing the lived experience movement. Fostering collaboration between lived experience leaders, academic institutions, and policy bodies will drive new approaches to peer-led services, advocacy, and system reform. Structured evaluations will be conducted every five years to assess the framework’s impact, ensuring it remains adaptable to emerging challenges and opportunities.
By setting a clear direction for the next 20 years, the Global Lived Experience Framework will provide a strong foundation for the ongoing development of the movement. It will ensure that lived experience leadership remains at the forefront of mental health, disability, and related sectors—empowering individuals, influencing policy, and driving transformative change on a global scale.
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