Author(s)

Justin Chapman

Affiliations

Griffith University

Introduction

People with mental health lived experience, including mental illness and psychosocial disability, have the right to quality and affordable healthcare the same as the rest of the population. However, accessing mental health related treatments is associated with an 11-year reduction in life expectancy. This health gap is largely due to preventable physical health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Despite Australia’s commitments to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), progress toward healthcare equity has been limited.

Methods

To advance system reform, the 2024 Equally Well Forum: Embedding Lived Experience convened 240 delegates to identify key priorities for change. The two-day national forum (Melbourne, May 2024) brought together consumers, carers, clinicians, policy makers, researchers, and service providers. Delegates participated in plenary sessions and facilitated workshops chaired by lived experience leaders. Workshop discussions were recorded, descriptively analysed by Equally Well staff, and reviewed with the Equally Well Alliance. Draft summaries were circulated to delegates for feedback via email and webinar consultation, resulting in a consensus-based Call to Action outlining system reform priorities.

Results and Findings

Delegates emphasised that physical health is integral to mental wellbeing and must be grounded in human rights and lived experience leadership. Two critical reform elements emerged: (1) embedding human rights across mental health legislation, policy and service (re)design; and (2) centring lived experience in all decision-making processes. Five foundational components were identified: respect and inclusion, co-learning and co-production, a supported lived experience workforce, strategic government support, and societal shifts to eliminate prejudice and discrimination.

Discussion

Forum outcomes highlight the need for coordinated national action to address preventable mortality among people with mental illness. Embedding human rights and lived experience leadership throughout policy, practice and governance structures is essential to achieving health equality and fulfilling Australia’s obligations under the UNCRPD.