Advocacy & Research

Advocacy

We draw upon lived experience to provide systemic advocacy with the goal to improve mental health and alcohol and drug services and the wellbeing of families and friends.

Mental health and AOD families and friends are central to everything we do. Our purpose is to make sure the voices of families and friends – who are dealing with mental health and or alcohol and other drugs – are heard. We then use our voice to share yours. One way we do this is by writing and publishing submissions and position papers.

We’re also active members of TASCOSS and Mental Health Carers Australia.

If you’d like to lend your voice, to help us to continue to advocate on behalf of families and friends please share your knowledge, wisdom, and experiences through any of our relevant surveys below:

SURVEYS

Surveys

MHFFTas Stakeholder Feedback
Safe Spaces Peer Support Feedback
Conversations with Families and Friends sessions
Call2Connect Feedback
FFRP Representative Feedback
Lived or Living Experience of Supporting a Family Member and or Friend With Their Drug Use
Lived or Living Experience of Drug Use and or receiving treatment
AOD Service Provider

SUBMISSIONS

Submissions
Better Access, Mental Health Equity and Access Submission January 2023
Budget Priority Submission 2022
Tasmanian Government’s Carer Recognition Legislation Submission Paper
Tasmanian Carer Action Plan 2017-2020
2018-2019 State Budget Community Consultation Submission

RESEARCH AND CONSULTATIONS

Research & Consultations
AOD Family & Friends Needs and Experiences Analysis Report
DSS Integrated Carer Support Service: Regional Delivery Partners: A draft regional delivery model – May 2018
Inquiry into Assessibility and quality of mental health services in rural and remote areas of Australia – May 2018
Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Parliamentary Inquiry 2021
Tasmanian Child & Youth Wellbeing Outcomes Framework – August 2018

POSITION PAPERS

Position Papers
Confidentiality Position Paper 2022
I Care Campaign – February 2018
Young Families & Friends Literature Review – March 2023

Image of four people sitting around a boardroom desk attending a workshop writing in notebooks and making notes on coloured post-it notes. A jug of water is in middle of desk and a water glass in front of each participant

Research

As a mental health family friend, you have rights. And the health system has responsibilities to both you and the person you support. The Triangle of Care model (pictured below) illustrates how you, the person you support and good health professionals working together provides the opportunity for the most beneficial and positive outcome for all involved.