A New Way Forward in Mental Health

Across Australia, many lived experience workers (LEWs) are frustrated by a system that talks about recovery but rarely puts people with real experience in charge. Too often, services are expensive, impersonal, or simply out of touch with what truly helps.

That’s why we’re building something different — community mental health co-operatives run by people with lived experience, for the people they support.

Co-ops put power, compassion, and creativity back into the hands of the community. They give LEWs the chance to shape services that actually work, where decisions are shared, voices are heard, and recovery is understood as a human journey — not just a treatment plan.

Starting a local co-op isn’t as hard as it sounds. It begins with a few committed people, a safe meeting space, and a shared vision. The rewards are real:

• Working alongside others who truly “get it.”
• Creating affordable, human-scale services.
• Building confidence, purpose, and community leadership.

Community Mental Health Co-operatives offer a new way forward. They will be led by people with lived experience, for people with lived experience. They will bring together peer workers, families, and community allies to create safe, affordable spaces for genuine support and personal growth.

---

🌱 The Deakin Community Mental Health Co-operative

The Deakin project aims to be a model for others to follow — showing how lived experience workers (LEWs) can come together to design and deliver services that meet real community needs.

We believe in:

• People before profit — decisions are made democratically by members.

• Lived experience leadership — those who have been there help guide the way.

• Practical, affordable support — programs that actually work in real life.

---

👥 Becoming a Peer Worker

Peer workers are at the heart of every co-op. They use their own recovery experience to support others and inspire hope.

You may be ready to become a peer worker if you:

• Can manage your own wellbeing

• Share your story safely and with purpose

• Keep healthy boundaries

• Listen without judgment

• Believe in recovery for all

Formal training (like Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work) is helpful — but your most important qualification is your experience and empathy.

---

🚀 Getting Started in Your Area

It only takes five committed people to start a community co-op.
You’ll need:

1. A small group of lived experience workers or allies

2. A regular meeting space

3. A shared purpose

4. A simple plan for your first service

Once formed, your co-op can begin providing small, meaningful programs — like peer groups, recovery education, or supported volunteering — and grow from there.

---

💡 Funding and Support

Co-ops can combine affordable user fees, NDIS payments, small grants, and fundraising to stay sustainable.
The goal is to keep services accessible, transparent, and community-driven.

---

🤝 Join the Movement

The Deakin Community Mental Health Co-operative is building connections with others across Australia — learning from examples like Lamp Inc (WA) and other peer insp organisations.

If you’re a lived experience worker, family member, or community ally who wants to see real change, we invite you to get involved.

Together, we can build a fairer, more compassionate mental health system — one community at a time.

---

 

More Information

If you would like to be added to the Mental Health Lived Experience Workers Co-Op mailing list, please use the Contact Us button to send us a message to that effect.

Join our Facebook group “You and LEW Mental Health” and share your thoughts and ideas.  Here is the link to it

Download The Current Business Plan here