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Care Connect is committed to strengthening Consumer Participation within the organisation by recognising and valuing the experiences that consumers and carers have about living with a disability or health condition. Care Connect has commenced a 12 month project (Feb 2007) looking at setting up stronger participation pathways for consumers and carers and at establishing ways that consumers and carers can share their expertise, make an effective contribution to the services that they receive, as well as to the direction and day to day operations of Care Connect.
A strong body of research shows that when consumers and carers are recognised for their unique expertise and when there is a responsive and effective partnership between consumers and professionals, the benefits contribute to improved quality of life and social adjustments for both consumers and carers (Consumer and Carer Participation Policy; a framework for the mental health sector, National Consumer and Carer Forum, 2004).
As Project Coordinator I will be calling on consumers and carers to share with us their skills and expertises. There will opportunities for information sharing and input, as well as training and formal committee membership opportunities. We will be launching the project goals at each state’s Community Partnership Meetings, so please come along and make a contribution.
Talking about Community Partnership Meetings – if you have any feedback on how to make them more accessible to you please email kolsson@careconnect.org.au so that we can look getting the most out of these meeting as possible. I look forward to receiving your feedback.
Kathryn Olsson
Project Coordinator, Consumer Engagement and Particaption
Ph: (03) 9270 9999 or 1800 116 166
Email: kolsson@careconnect.org.au
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