First Nations Reference Group (FNRG)

What’s involved?

As a member of the First Nations Reference Group (FNRG) you can expect:

• To be an equal member of a group that is respectful of each person’s view point and to be treated in line with HelpingMinds values of Hope, Trust, Integrity, Collaboration and Respect.
• To be paid for your participation and travel expenses.
• To receive any documents in enough time to prepare for meetings.
• To be supported in your role on the reference group by HelpingMinds.

To be a member of the FNRG, you will:

• Be an Australian First Nations person with lived experience of mental health issues or caring for a family member or friend with mental health issues. Your lived experience of mental health concerns is invaluable with ensuring HelpingMinds offers mental health support in a culturally safe way.
• Be able to talk with other First Nations people and be confident to share your ideas in discussions and when making decisions.
• Have an understanding or willingness to understand the impact lifestyle choices have on the mental health of First Nations people and their community, including marginalization, stigma and discrimination.
• Understand the importance of including the person with mental health issues, their family and community in the person’s treatment, care and recovery. – Have strong links within your community.
• Have knowledge, skills and/or experience of taking part in committees or other similar groups.

As a FNRG member your responsibilities would include giving your best to support HelpingMinds to action their RAP, as such you will:

• Understand the wider issues that contribute to the mental health concerns of First Nations people and how these impact on the lives of your community.
• Share your knowledge and ideas of how to best support the mental health and associated concerns of First Nations people.
• Read provided documentation and be prepared to discuss the documentation at the meetings.
• To be present at each required meeting and treat others in line with HelpingMinds values of Hope, Trust, Integrity, Collaboration and Respect.

Selection Process

A short-list of applicants will be asked to meet with two HelpingMinds staff for an informal discussion. This will give applicants the chance to ask questions about the work of the reference group. Successful applicants will need to provide a National Police Certificate (NPC) no more than 6 months old. Please note, if an applicant has any convictions, they may still be considered for the reference group. HelpingMinds will reimburse the cost of the NPC.

Payment

Payment and reimbursement of expenses are offered to FNRG members according to the HelpingMinds Paid Participation Policy. The paid participation rate for FNRG members is $300 per meeting with a minimum of 2 hours, which includes reasonable travel expenses (e.g. parking fees). Other expenses can be claimed but must be agreed with and approved by HelpingMinds before running up the expense. FNRG members can choose to receive gift cards instead of payment.

For more information

Contact Shaneen Steele, Executive People and Culture on 9427 7100 or rap@helpingminds.org.au