This research project explores how art and storytelling can be used to combat stigma and discrimination in mental health by promoting empathy and shifting attitudes towards recovery-focused care. It aims to progress to 'contemplation' in the stages of change model while disseminating findings widely to practitioners and policymakers. Funded by Healthway and the Government of Western Australia, the project acknowledges the contributions of Aboriginal people and those with lived experiences in mental health and addiction.

1. Strengthening Consumer Voice:
Using art and stories to educate and shift mental health stigma
Authors: Gabrielle Brand1,2, Christopher Etherton-Beer1, Rhonda Clifford1, Liza Seubert1, Carli Sheers3. Origin:
1The University of Western Australia, 2Monash University, 3Consumer Representative for UWA research project
facilitated by the Consumer & Community Health Research Network
This exploratory research project is funded by Healthway and the Government of Western Australia.

2. Acknowledgements
I acknowledge that we are meeting on the traditional land
of Aboriginal People, and pay my respects to Aboriginal
People and Elders past, present and emerging.
I pay my respects to past and present members of the
mental health consumer and carer movement. It is their
shoulders on which consumer and carer leaders stand
today.
I also acknowledge people with lived experience of
mental health and/or alcohol and other drug issues.

3. Depth of Field: Exploring
Minds, Hearts & Voice
Project launch at the Perth Town Hall on 8 October 2019

4. Aims of presentation
Unconscious bias can lead to stereotyping and
mental health stigma and discrimination.
Education using art and stories can promote
empathy and shift attitudes to enhance recovery
focused care.
We wish to move to ‘contemplation’ in the
Stages of Change Model.

5. Starting Point
The Sustainable Health Review
recommended the reduction of
mental health stigma and discrimination
to promote recovery.

6. The Creative Portraits

7. Educational techniques to
surface unconscious bias
Dr Gabrielle Brand
• Chief Investigator of Research Team, Depth of Field: Exploring Minds, Hearts & Voice.
• Associate Professor (Education Focused), Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University.
• Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Health Professions Education, The University of Western Australia.

8. Stages of Change Model
(Wikipedia. Transtheoretical model. Retrieved from
https://en.Wikipedia.org.au/wiki/Transtheoretical_model on 21 October 2019.)

9. Translation Strategies
To ensure maximum reach of the exploratory research, a
three-pronged approach will include:
1.Disseminate resource findings through conference and
academic publications.
2.Disseminate findings to relevant practitioners, health
professions educators, mental health care sector and
associated partners.
3.Translation into policy and practice.

10. Summary
Unconscious bias can lead to stereotyping and
mental health stigma and discrimination.
Education using arts and stories can promote
empathy and shift attitudes to enhance recovery
focused care.
We wish to move to ‘contemplation’ in the
Stages of Change Model.

11. Contacts
Dr Liza Seubert
Head, Division of Pharmacy
Deputy Head, School of Allied Health
Centre for Optimisation of Medicines
School of Allied Health
University of Western Australia
E liza.seubert@uwa.edu.au
Mrs Carli Sheers
Lived Experience Educator
Education and Training Consultant
E carlisheersconsultancy@gmail.com

12. Thank you
This exploratory research project is funded by Healthway and the Government of Western Australia.
Strengthening Consumer Voice:
Using art and stories to educate and shift mental health stigma