Forensicare Community Advisory Group recognised at 2018 VMIAC Consumer Awards

Find out about the Thomas Embling Hospital  Community Advisory Group’s win at the 2018 VMIAC Consumer Awards.

On Friday, 12 October 2018,  the incredible work of Forensicare’s Thomas Embling Hospital’s (TEH) Community Advisory Group (CAG) was recognised when it won the Consumer Advisory Group Award at the 2018 VMIAC Consumer Awards.  Winners of the award must successfully demonstrate a significant contribution to the experiences of consumers to a service.  A small group of staff and consumers attended the event to accept the award.

TEH CAG member Matt*, said that winning the award shows recognition of the consumers and staff.  “It shows consumers don’t have to just be consumers – we can help each other as well.  It’s phenomenal to know we have gotten recognition for the job we do.  We never thought we would get an award; we are just doing our best”

Fellow TEH CAG member, Greg*, was thankful for the appreciation “CAG is a good sounding board for patients, providing comfort and accessibility to patients. It’s great to know our work has been acknowledged by peers”

Sarah* the CAG women’s representative said the award means that consumers’ hard work is being awarded and recognised  “We are not just a ‘willy-nilly’ group.  We do make important change”

Tom Dalton, CEO, was also delighted by the outcome. “This is a fantastic achievement for our CAGs and Forensicare more broadly.  Our CAGs are central to shaping and strengthening the quality of Forensicare services for consumers.  We are incredibly proud that their professionalism, hard work and contribution is being recognised outside of the organisation at this level.  Congratulations to all our CAG consumers, you deserve it”

The Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) is the peak Victorian non-government organisation for people with lived experience of mental health or emotional issues. VMIAC holds its Consumer Awards annually to recognise the amazing contribution made by award recipients towards the consumer movement. It also recognises the generosity, sense of community and commitment consumers provide to enable milestones to be achieved everyday.

For more information about the VMIAC Consumer Awards, visit the VMIAC website.

*Not their real names