The MHCC's Driven by lived experience framework and strategy

Driven by lived experience tree

When engaging with the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner
The MHCC honours and respects the collective experience and wisdom of mental health consumers, families and carers. This tree represents how our approach is driven by lived experience. The roots show what informs our work, and feed into the leaves which describe what we aim to achieve when people engage with the MHCC - the outcomes of our values in action.
Leaves
- You have a voice and a choice
- You feel heard and valued
- You feel safe
- You influence positive change
- Your individual needs are recognised and respected
Roots
- Consumer experiences
- Upholding human rights, dignity and autonomy
- Family and carer experiences
- Trauma informed
- Recovery orientated
Download 'Driven by lived experience tree'

On 1 September 2023, the work and functions of the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner (MHCC) were transferred over to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission (MHWC). The resources on this page contain branding used by the MHCC as the Driven by lived experience framework was originally developed by them.

Lived experience refers to the experiences of people living with mental and emotional distress and those accessing mental health services, as well as the experiences of families and carers. Consumer, family and carer perspectives have shaped the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner (MHCC) since its beginnings in 2014.

In 2018 the former Commissioner, Dr Lynne Coulson Barr, made a commitment that 'the MHCC will be driven by lived experience in everything we do'.

Our Driven by lived experience framework and strategy is the outcome of a project led by our Senior Advisor, Lived Experience and Education. Guided by principles of co-production, the project involved extensive research and collaboration with MHCC staff, Advisory Council members and others.

Download the framework and strategy:

Mental Health Complaints Commissioner - Driven by lived experience framework and strategy

PDF 1.51 MB

Please contact us to provide your feedback on the strategy. We will continue to build on our history, evaluate our progress and grow our approach in the future.

Updated 23 May 2024