Mental Health Act Review
About the Mental Health Act Review:
The Mental Health Act 2009 (SA) (MHA) includes a clause requiring the act to be reviewed every five years. This review will examine people’s experiences in using, accessing and dealing with the MHA and about ways in which the law and practice can be improved. The South Australian Law Reform Institute (SALRI) have been commissioned to undertake the review on behalf of the South Australian Government and prepare a report with recommendations for reform.
As part of the review the Lived Experience Leadership & Advocacy Network (LELAN) will publish an independent submission articulating the unique insights of people with lived experience of distress and mental health issues and the impact legislation such as the MHA has on people’s lives and rights in South Australia.
Why its important to have your voice heard:
In this process, SALRI will be speaking to experts, including people with lived experience, carers, and other interested groups. It is important to have as many voices feed into this process to ensure a wide variety of experiences are taken into consideration for their final report. Submissions will be synthesised into a report that will be shared with the lived experience community, government agencies and other organisations. It will also directly inform the advocacy efforts and future work of LELAN. LELAN is the peak body for lived experience in South Australia, amplifying the voice, influence and leadership of people with lived experience to be heard and drive systemic change.
This is your chance to help improve how mental health support is delivered in South Australia.
What will LELAN do with this information:
The information gathered by LELAN will form part of LELAN’s submission to SALRI. These learnings and our collective knowledge will provide lived experience-led content about our experiences and solution ideas for improving community, service and system responses to crisis and distress.
How you can contribute and get involved:
Fill out the LELAN survey
LELAN have a survey that will inform our own submission to the Review. You can ensure more lived experience insights and ideas for improvement are included by completing the survey here.
Attend an in-person or online forum
Attend an in-person forum being facilitated by LELAN on Monday August 15th 10am-12pm (register here).
This is in addition to two forums we co-facilitated with SALRI earlier in August.
Have a one-on-one chat
Register to have a 30-minute confidential conversation (phone or Zoom) with a LELAN team member about your experiences and thoughts for improving the Mental Health Act here. If the calendar link does not work please email info@lelan.org.au to arrange a time that is convenient for you
Write your own submission
You can also write your own submission. These can be emailed to salri_mha@adelaide.edu.au or posted to The South Australian Law Reform Institute, University of Adelaide, Ligertwood Building, SA 5005.
Connect with our team:
If you have more questions reach out to the LELAN team via info@lelan.org.au or call 0431 953 526.
We are mindful that the experiences we are asking about can be heavy and reflecting on them can cause distress. We encourage you to reach out to your supports if needed or contact the Lived Experience Telephone Support Service (LETSS).
Where you can find information: