Lived experience learning ramps up for LLEAH

The testing and pilot phases of the Lived and Living Experience at Heart program, or LLEAH, are well underway.

Launched in November 2024, LLEAH is an organisational support program for Victoria’s mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) sectors. It aims to ensure the invaluable contributions of Lived and Living Experience Workers (LLEW) are recognised, valued, and supported.

The landmark program is being delivered through two initiatives – The Learning Collaborative (TLC) and Supporting Organisational Lived Experience (SOLE).

The testing of SOLE’s evidence-based course materials at a large public health organisation is now in its final stages.

SHARC’s Matthew Corbett, the Program Manager for LLEAH, said the testing had provided valuable insights into how SOLE is delivered.

“Using the project’s tools in a live environment has enabled us to better understand SOLE’s potential and to evolve its design.”

It has also prompted the extension of the project’s testing phase to enable the refined model to be used and evaluated at a second, smaller organisation.

Once the testing phase is complete, expressions of interest in SOLE’s project pilot will open for eligible organisations in June.

Meanwhile, 11 AOD and mental health agencies are participating in the pilot for TLC, based on a successful model developed by Yale University and adapted for the Victorian context.

The 12-month program has participants working together in a formal program while receiving individual assistance as required. Expressions of interest in the next TLC are due to open later this year.

The LLEAH program leverages SHARC’s expertise in LLEW in partnership with the Department of Health, Yale University, US, Mental Health Victoria, and LLEW development expert Dr Louise Byrne.

LLEAH encompasses the consumer and family, carer and supporter LLE workforces. It also seeks to improve outcomes for consumers and their families/supporters.