Consumer Partnership & Lived Experience
At MHDA, we value the voice of lived experience in shaping services, education and recovery-oriented care. These stories highlight the impact of consumer leadership, partnership and peer workforce initiatives across the district. Consumer Voice Strengthens Midwifery Education At the recent psychosocial training day for midwives at Royal North Shore Hospital, our SUPPS (Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Service) team partnered with a consumer to highlight the importance of lived experience, compassion and trauma-informed care when supporting women and families navigating substance use, pregnancy and recovery. Supported by SUPPS Midwife Specialist Alana Robertson, the presentation provided midwives with valuable insight into the consumer experience and the importance of safe, non- judgemental and person-centred care. The session received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with staff reflecting on the impact of hearing directly from a consumer perspective:
We would also like to acknowledge the courage and generosity of our consumer in sharing her story, alongside the ongoing dedication of clinicians supporting recovery journeys across SUPPS and Drug and Alcohol Services.
Peer Workforce Project Named Quality Awards Finalist
Congratulations to Paula Hanlon, Peer Worker at Ryde Community Mental Health Service, and the Planning for Recovery project team, who have been named finalists in the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services category at the 2026 NSLHD Quality and Improvement Awards.
The project focused on strengthening peer workers’ confidence and capability in supporting recovery planning and person-centred care. The initiative highlighted the important role peer workers play in recovery-oriented practice and improving consumer outcomes. The nomination recognises the team’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and lived experience leadership across MHDA. 3
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