Oportunity Connect is a way to simplify and improve access to participation

Of all the types of knowledge, the kind that is born from our life experience is now recognised as one of the most useful when it comes to making real change. It’s called ‘lived experience’.

As an organisation, we only have part of the information we need to provide good services and influence the mental health system for the better. That’s why we invite you to get involved in a range of activities where you can share your perspective or collaborate in making decisions that affect your life.

We also think working together will make the world a better, fairer and kinder place.
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What you can expect:

• A safe, respectful environment where you are treated as an equal
• Information to make informed contribution
• Reimbursements for time, travel costs
• To gain new experiences and skills
• To be updated on how your contribution has made a difference

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Neami is a community-based organisation providing services to improve mental health and wellbeing in local communities.

Consumer participation and feedback enriches the development and delivery of Neami services.

Consumer participation has been embedded into Neami's approach since our inception in 1987 with people with a lived experience of mental illness and recovery represented across all levels of the organisation.

Consumer participation is embedded in every aspect of Neami – from local, site-based opportunities through to committee membership, focus groups and policy and procedure development. We support the rights of people engaged with our services to exert influence.

Genuine participation of consumers across all areas of Neami is supported by the Consumer Participation Framework. This framework sets out the principles and processes that guide the way Neami works together with consumers.

Guided by our Consumer Participation Framework we seek to provide opportunities that:

• Are tailored to the particular needs of consumers
• Develop social, communication, network and planning skills
• Contribute to enhanced satisfaction with the service

Values such as respect, self-determination, empowerment and partnership give shape to consumer participation, and diversity is key to capturing the variety of perspectives.

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