Mental Health Families and Friends Tasmania were invited to speak at a recent media event alongside the Mental Health Council of Tasmania and Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer to discuss the development of the next Tasmanian Mental Health Strategy. MHFFs also welcomed the chance to attend the recent stakeholder roundtable event, where we advocated for the needs of the mental health and AOD family and friend community. Being involved in the consultation process for the next Tasmanian Mental Health Strategy is a vital opportunity to explore and address the challenges families and friends face – and the needs of those they support. 

Through the rethink and reform process, we’ve seen a positive shift: the lived experience of families and friends is now recognised as an expertise in its own right – not just alongside consumers and service providers, but as a central voice in service design, delivery, and evaluation. 

Safe Haven is an excellent example of this. By promoting the service as equally for families and friends as it is for consumers, it acknowledged the emotional toll and the support role families and friends carry. This approach has helped people feel seen, validated, and more willing to seek help. 

We have also seen a rise in engagement with our organisation with more families and friends reaching out, sharing their experiences, and accessing support. That’s a positive outcome. But it also reminds us there is still a long way to go. 

Tasmania faces unique challenges. Families and friends often step in as unpaid carers, yet their contributions remain under-recognised. The next Strategy gives us a chance to build on what’s working and address what’s not. It’s a great opportunity to embed lived experience at every level to strengthen supports. We look forward to collaborating with government and other important stakeholders throughout this consultation process.  

Ella Bellamy 

Policy Reform Officer