Our Units
Units are crafted to optimize efficiency, enhance productivity, and achieve high-quality outcomes that resonate with our overarching vision and objectives. Emphasising the value of lived experience expertise is the foundation upon which our work is based.
The Value of Lived Experience Expertise in Mental Health
People with lived experience of mental health conditions offer unique insights that are essential for creating effective, inclusive, and equitable mental health systems. Explore the interactive diagram below to understand their multifaceted contributions.
Expertise
Unique & In-Depth Knowledge
Understanding Barriers to Inclusion
Uniquely Positioned Contributions
Advising Decision-Makers
Cost-Effective Solutions
Enhancing Mental Health Systems
Select a Circle to Begin
Click on any of the colored circles in the diagram to explore how lived experience expertise contributes uniquely to mental health systems.
Focused Initiatives
Our FI Unit is dedicated to undertaking initiatives with the potential for significant impact on mental health and that are able to elevate the integration of people with lived experience of mental health conditions in policy and practice. Focused on strategic endeavours, this unit navigates specific projects to make a substantial and lasting difference in the global mental health landscape.
These initiatives include:
- From Recognition to Realization: A remuneration framework for equitable compensation of Lived Experience expertise in Global Mental Health
- Research Ready: Online Training Course - Building Capacity of Lived Experience Expertise in Research
- Countdown Global Mental Health 2030: Tracking Progress of Indicators in Global Mental Health - Assessing Experiences of Policies and Practices
Our Remuneration Framework was developed by incorporating multiple components, including: (i) comprehensive desktop research, (ii) a review of relevant literature, (iii) survey feedback from PWLE and stakeholders collaborating with them, and (iv) insights gained over five years of managing aves Mental Health dedicated “EbE Consultancy Services” unit. The LE Inclusion Self-Assessment Tool has been tested with aves Mental Health team and revised accordingly.
The "Research Ready" project, is an initiative commissioned by the Wellcome Trust’s Lived Experience Innovations Fund and led by aves Mental Health, in partnership with EMPOWER Mental Health For All Lab at Harvard University. Our collaborative and demographically diverse approach is to co-design an accessible and inclusive online training course, for: People with lived experience (to encourage non-academics in research); Peer researchers (to enhance their skills in research), and Researchers (to equip them with tools for meaningful and authentic inclusion of PWLE). The ultimate focus is to empower PWLE, peer researchers and researchers to be key partners in leading and co-leading research initiatives through a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances in traditional research methodologies.
Experts By Experience Consultancy Services
We unlock the power of lived experience expertise through our EbE Unit, through partnering with all sectors in society to elevate mental health and well-being, and making a meaningful impact in reshaping policies and practices, in collaboration with our advocates, for a brighter, more compassionate future.
Peer-to-Peer Mentorship, Education, Empowerment and Development
The Peer-To-Peer Unit at aves Mental Health is dedicated to nurturing and empowering individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions, providing them with a robust platform for growth and leadership in global mental health advocacy. Our Expert Advocates for Global Lived Experience (EAGLES) is the core structure for our mentorship programmes, educational initiatives, and skill development opportunities, which aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to emerge as influential leaders in mental health advocacy on a global scale. By cultivating a supportive and enriching environment, the unit strives to build a cadre of empowered advocates who contribute significantly to reshaping mental health narratives and policies worldwide.
Benchwarmers - Peer Support
Peer Support Unit is a cornerstone of our commitment to cultivating mental health and wellbeing within our community. Through peer-to-peer support, this unit offers a safe and empathetic space for advocates to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in navigating the complexities of mental health. With a focus on solidarity and understanding, our Peer Support Unit plays a pivotal role in creating a supportive network to uplift and empower our team. Together, we strengthen the bonds of our community, promoting resilience and cultivating a culture of compassion and shared understanding.
Communications & Awareness
Communications and Awareness serves as a powerful conduit, amplifying the voices of individuals with lived experience in the public domain. Through strategic communication initiatives, we strive to bring the authentic experiences of people with mental health conditions to the forefront, cultivating awareness and understanding that drives positive change in the mental health landscape.
Organisational Development & Sustainability
Organisational Development and Sustainability Unit is dedicated to cultivating transparency, consistent growth, sustainability, and innovation. With a commitment to upholding our global reputation, we strive to stay abreast of emerging developments and evidence, ensuring that our organization evolves in alignment with the ever-changing landscape of mental health.
