Our Advocacy - Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia Inc

What we do

Since 1986, MIFA has been providing mental health sector leadership to represent the needs and interests of people living with severe mental illness, and their loved ones and carers. We give priority to influencing policy makers, funders, politicians, researchers and sponsors to invest in services that make a real difference in people’s lives. We believe that the needs and experiences of those with a lived experience of mental illness must be reflected in mental health policy, commissioning of services, and broader social structures and attitudes.

We utilise multiple advocacy channels to raise awareness of the issues that impact people with lived experience of severe mental illness. These channels include writing submissions, letter writing, national advocacy campaigns, national awareness campaigns, conferences, Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health events, speaking engagements, advisory roles, and membership of national mental health stakeholder panels and forums.

How we Influence

National Media Campaigns

Each year MIFA develops and delivers two national awareness raising and anti-stigma media campaigns for Schizophrenia Awareness Week in May and for Mental Health Week in October.

These campaigns play a valuable role in providing the message that it is important to reach out for help and that recovery is possible.

Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health Events

MIFA convenes Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health events at Parliament House to raise awareness of mental health reform issues.

Around 40 Federal politicians from all political parties attend. Speakers with lived experience, researchers and leaders in the mental health field share insights and solutions to some of the problems people face in the current mental health service landscape.

Building Strategic Partnerships

MIFA collaborates with lived experience leaders, peak bodies, mental health sector stakeholders, Ministers, Shadow Ministers and politicians from all political parties, and government and agency stakeholders in the pursuit of our strategic priorities and vision.

MIFA is a member of national expert advisory panels, sector-wide working groups, national policy forum groups, and mental health carer forums, representing the voice of lived experience of severe mental illness.

MIFA Conferences

MIFA hosts two conferences each year in different capital cities around the nation to enhance collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and provide a platform to influence mental health reform.

These conferences bring MIFA together with our Member organisations, key sector partners, lived experience leaders, and government and agency stakeholders to engage in collaborative discussions on key strategic priorities and reform issues.

Submissions and Consultations

MIFA provides formal submissions and consultation responses to parliamentary, departmental and agency inquiries to influence mental health reform and improve public policy.

We represent the unique needs and interests of people living with severe mental illness, and their carers and loved ones, to ensure the voice of lived experience is included, heard, and acknowledged during these inquiries.

“We work collaboratively with our MIFA Members and sector partners to speak with one voice on matters of mental health reform, with the voice of lived experience at the centre of our work. With this focus, we continue to successfully influence real change and lead policy reforms to improve people's lives.”

Tony Stevenson, National Chief Executive Officer

Signature campaigns

National Psychosocial Support Advocacy Alliance Campaign

MIFA is leading a national advocacy alliance of Australia’s lived experienced leaders, peak bodies and mental health organisations to call on all Australian Governments to address a major gap in psychosocial supports.

MIFA has brought together over 40 organisations to collaborate on this campaign and deliver a strong and united message for reform.

Schizophrenia Awareness Week Campaigns

Each year MIFA coordinates a Schizophrenia Awareness Week campaign in May to coincide with World Schizophrenia Awareness Day on 24 May. People with schizophrenia are among the most highly stigmatised and socially marginalised people in our community.

Through these national campaigns, MIFA and our partners aim to reduce stigma towards people affected by schizophrenia, encourage inclusive behaviour, bust myths about schizophrenia, and promote help-seeking when people need support.

Mental Health Week Campaigns

Each year MIFA coordinates a Mental Health Week Awareness Campaign in October to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October.

These campaigns focus on spreading the important message that anyone can reach out for help and that recovery is possible.

Mental Illness Fellowship Australia

Amplifying the voice of people affected by severe mental illness, their families, and friends.

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