The experiences of families who support people with mental health challenges: engaging and elevating family expertise in mental health system change through participatory methods

Mental health systems relying on families to support people experiencing distress impacts health, wellbeing and life opportunities for family carers. Through partnering with the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum, I conducted six phases of co-produced national online focus groups and survey. The resultant advocacy brief for the Australian Government authentically reflected the experiences of family carers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ten recommendations enhance Government and service preparedness for responsive action should future natural disasters, crises and/or pandemics occur. This research distilled key processes for academic researchers to work with people at the centre of a research focus.