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The Psychosocial Peak Body (PPB) plays a crucial role in advocating for people with psychosocial disabilities by providing advice to the government. This is critical now as policy shifts at the Commonwealth and State levels are affecting how Queenslanders with psychosocial disability access supports. There is strong evidence of the level of unmet need in the community and although there is agreement that State and Commonwealth will equally fund foundational supports, the level and model for access to services is yet to be decided.

This Deep Dive Consultation aimed to engage people with lived experience and gather insights for effective foundational supports in Queensland. In addition, it aimed to increase the PPB’s connection with the lived experience community. Key themes from the two consultations (Caboolture, and Townsville) include:

• Connecting with Supports: Participants emphasised the need for accessible, barrier-free support available at any time, in safe, consumer-chosen environments. Greater access to 24-hour support was highlighted, particularly in Townsville.
• Holistic Support: Supports should be tailored to individual needs, with a focus on trauma-informed, empathetic, and non-judgmental workers. Participants also valued lived experience among workers.
• Digital Support Services: Participants saw the benefits of digital services for immediate access and self-empowerment, but preferred human-led digital support over fully digital options.
• Information Sharing: There were differing views on information sharing, with some preferring streamlined sharing and others advocating for consumer-controlled sharing to avoid stigma.

The consultation process used Design Thinking methodology, allowing for collaborative, innovative solutions to improve psychosocial support systems. Further targeted consultation with First Nations and culturally diverse communities is recommended.