The Lived Experience Mental Illness program (LEMI) holds that every individual has the capacity to reach beyond their self-made limitations and create a new version of themselves through recognising untapped potential. The cyclical nature of chronic and persistent mental ill health robs the individual of this untapped potential through countless setbacks which impact core beliefs, the very essence of how they see themselves. LEMI is designed through unconditional support and flexibility to wrap enough scaffolding around individuals so that they do not focus on their failures due to interrupted progress, but rather look forward to the recovery phase out of illness, leading to a change in their core belief about self.

Peer workers will engage with people in the local community who may be at risk of mental health concerns or who find it difficult to access and engage with services.

The LEMI program encourages peer workers to identify an area of interest, develop a researched session plan and deliver a group program based on that interest. This enables peer workers to learn about group facilitation skills, encourage dialogue on managing mental ill health and the sharing of coping strategies, whilst developing user friendly resources. Below are samples of such groups established and facilitated by peer workers.

Wellbeing at the Cairns Botanic Gardens

Mental Health Week 2021 Art Exhibition at Kite Gallery