The Voice of Lived Experience Guiding Impactful Change in Edith Cowan University's Whole-of-Institution Approach to Mental Health

Abstract

This case study presents the background to the establishment of Edith Cowan University (ECU)’s Student and Staff Mental Health Strategy 2021-2024 as well as the early stages of its implementation. The value of lived experience storytelling is explored, including its role in recovery programs in the mental health sector and early examples of its use in higher education health promotion initiatives. ECU’s experience adopting the Lived Experience Project is presented, including examples of how student voices have been incorporated within a range of strategic initiatives during the Foundation Phase of the University’s Mental Health Strategy. Future uses are also considered to promote ongoing reduction of stigma and normalising of help seeking for students experiencing mental health issues in a higher education setting.