Rights in Action
Welcome to our project updates page. Continue reading to learn more about Finding North Rights in Action.
Finding North Secures 3-Year Funding Grant
We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a 3-year grant under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building – Individual Capacity Building 2024-25 program by the Department of Social Services.
Our project, titled “Finding North Rights in Action,” aims to significantly expand our scope and capacity. This initiative will introduce new peer-to-peer online training activities designed for individuals with first-hand experience of mental health challenges, empowering them with valuable skills and knowledge to navigate their journeys effectively.
Join our Mailing List
Join our mailing list and stay updated on the latest developments of our “Finding North Rights in Action” project! By signing up for our email updates, you’ll receive updates on our training programs, webinars, and the 2025 Perspectives e-symposium.
About the Project
The objective of the Individual Capacity Building (ICB) grant opportunity is to enable systematic, nationwide access to peer support, mentoring, and other skills building for people who experience mental health challenges, their family, carers and kin. Our project, “Finding North Rights in Action,” aims to:
- Increase skills and capacity of people who experience mental health challenges.
- Enhance motivation, confidence, and empowerment for self-advocacy.
- Improve access to and participation in community activities.
With a focus and foundation in Human Rights and Self-advocacy, we will be delivering:
- A series of online training programs including the development of a new Lived Experience Advocacy Speakers program, where emerging lived experience leaders will be mentored to develop their public speaking skills and showcase their portfolios online.
- Our annual online symposium ‘Perspectives’ in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Quarterly webinar series that will be open to the public.
Welcome Charli and Daniela
We’re thrilled to welcome two new members to our Finding North team, Charli and Daniela.
Charli joins us as a Lived Experience Project Officer, bringing a passionate dedication to peer values and consumer/survivor rights informed by her own lived experience of madness, trauma and disability. Charli advocates for anti-carceral mental healthcare, emphasising healing through connection and peer-led services. In addition to her lived experience, Charli brings a wealth of expertise from her roles in mental health, disability, and healthcare, including peer work, co-design, case management, and more.
We would also like to welcome Daniela as our Lived Experience Trainer. Originally from Germany, Daniela moved to Australia in her late teens. With experience in teaching, corporate training, and the disability sector, her lived experience of psychosocial disability gives her unique insights into the NDIS. She’s passionate about advocating for human rights and creating community-focused initiatives like the December Cards Project, spreading kindness to those in mental health inpatient units.
Welcome, Charli and Daniela – we’re excited to have you with us!
Our Commitment
At Finding North, we are committed to co-designing and delivering programs in partnership with people with lived experience. This project will establish new online training groups on our Finding North Network platform to support social connection and participation. It will be co-designed with our Lived Experience Advisory Committee and two lived experience co-design groups, ensuring that our initiatives remain person-centered and effective.
Next Steps
Expanding the Finding North Team✔
We will be recruiting for two new roles: a Lived Experience Project Officer and a Lived Experience Trainer. These positions are crucial to the success of our Finding North initiatives. The individuals selected for these roles will play a key part in supporting and delivering our programs, working closely with the MIFA Lived Experience Lead. They will bring their unique insights and experiences to the team, ensuring that our initiatives are effectively tailored to meet the needs of our community. Stay tuned for more information on how to apply and join our dedicated team.
Establish Co-Design Groups✔
The formation of co-design groups is a key component of our project. These groups will bring together passionate people from across the country who are eager to contribute their unique perspectives and experiences.
Our recruitment process for the Training Program co-design group is currently being advertised through our existing network and on LinkedIn. Visit Finding North Network to learn more.
Recruit Perspectives 2025 Committee Members✔
We’re excited to announce that recruitment for our Perspectives 2025 Committee is complete, with committee meetings kicking off in November We look forward to sharing updates as our planning for this online event unfolds. Keep an eye out on Finding North Network for updates on what’s to come!
Stakeholder Engagement
We will be meeting with stakeholders to discuss the project further to ensure strong collaborations and partnerships. These meetings are crucial for aligning our goals, sharing insights, and working together effectively. If you are one of our valued stakeholders and would like to learn more or contribute to the conversation, please reach out to us and request a catch-up. Your input and partnership are vital to the success of our project, and we look forward to connecting with you.
Stay Connected
Contact Us
Visit our Contact Us page for more information on how to reach us directly. We welcome your questions, feedback, and interest in our initiatives. Whether you have specific inquiries or simply want to connect with our team, we’re here to help.
You can also connect with us on LinkedIn for current opportunities.
Join the Finding North Network
Finding North Network is an exclusive online social network for people with firsthand lived experience of mental health conditions. We invite you to register with the Finding North Network to access valuable resources and connect with other Lived Experience Leaders across the country.
Join our Mailing List
Join our mailing list and stay updated on the latest developments of our “Finding North Rights in Action” project! By signing up for our email updates, you’ll receive updates on our training programs, webinars, and the 2025 Perspectives e-symposium.