CPSLE workforce development networks and organisations

Addiction Workforce Sharing Space

The Addiction Workforce Sharing Space is an opportunity for the developing and existing addictions consumer, peer support and lived experience (CPSLE) workforce to connect and to share the challenges and learnings that they come across in their work, and also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. Together, the CPSLE workforce can develop their knowledge and skills through shared understanding and collective identity.

Join for CHIME: Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment.

Facilitated by Addiction Consumer Leadership Group

Collective Voices

Collective Voices is an initiative that amplifies the perspectives of people with lived experience of mental distress and addiction, alongside those in peer and lived experience roles across Te Waipounamu (the South Island). It focuses on strengthening connections, partnerships, and workforce sustainability while identifying what works well and where gaps exist. Through consultation and co-design, the project aims to ensure lived experience voices influence decision-making and drive improvements in mental health and addiction services.

Convergence

Convergence is a Bay of Plenty–based forum that brings together the consumer, peer support, and lived experience workforce to strengthen connection, collaboration, and mutual support. It provides a space where diverse lived experiences come together to build collective strength, reduce discrimination, and grow opportunities for workforce development. Guided by values such as mutuality, self-determination, equity, and hope, Convergence supports community wellbeing and empowers people through shared knowledge and authentic relationships.

Ka Rere Te Manu

Ka Rere Te Manu is a kaupapa Māori values-based, lived experience-led organisation in New Zealand. It provides workforce development, training, and education specifically for the Consumer, Peer Support, and Lived Experience (CPSLE) workforce.

LEXLiNGO (Lived experience leaders in NGOs)

LEXLiNGO is a New Zealand network for lived experience leaders working in NGO mental health and addiction services. Established by people in advocacy, leadership and influencing roles, it operates independently while maintaining links with NAMHSCA. The group amplifies the voices of people accessing NGO services, supports influence across funding, design and delivery systems, and strengthens connection, awhi, mentoring and shared learning among current and emerging lived experience leaders.

If interested or for more information, please contact Marlane at marlane.sherborne@emergeaotearoa.org.nz

Lived Experience Knowledge Network (Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health)

The Lived Experience Knowledge Network (LEKN) is a set of hui hosted by the Ministry of Health’s Lived Experience team to bring together people with lived and living experience across different areas.

Email lived.experience@health.govt.nz to find out more

NAMHSCA (National Association of Mental Health Service Consumer Advisors)

NAMHSCA (National Association of Mental Health Service Consumer Advisors) provides a strong, collective voice for lived experience to influence national mental health service planning and evaluation. It connects and supports consumer advisors, enabling them to share resources, respond to issues, and contribute informed perspectives to agencies and organisations. The organisation aims to ensure services reflect the needs of those who use them while fostering mutual support, connection, and collective leadership within the lived experience workforce.

Take Notice

Take Notice is a lived experience-led organisation focused on elevating the voices, potential, and aspirations of people who experience mental health challenges and/or addiction. Founded by Kerri Butler, it promotes wellbeing by encouraging services to better understand people’s experiences and support healing pathways. Through leadership, education, and community initiatives, Take Notice fosters inclusive, strengths-based environments where lived experience drives meaningful change and improved outcomes.

Te Kete Pounamu

Te Kete Pounamu is the national collective voice for Māori with lived and living experience of mental health and addiction recovery. It works across Aotearoa to connect whānau, strengthen grassroots and regional networks, and amplify Māori perspectives at governance levels. Through leadership, resources, and hui, the organisation advocates for equity and supports Māori participation in shaping services and systems that reflect lived experience and wellbeing.

3Village1island

3Village1island is a Pacific lived experience collective that brings together communities across disability, mental health, and addiction to strengthen Pacific voices, visibility, and influence. Grounded in cultural values and lived experience, it fosters healing, leadership, and connection. The collective supports culturally safe pathways and empowers Pacific communities to lead change, improve wellbeing, and shape health and social systems through collective knowledge and shared experience

Southern Peer

Southern Peer is a South Island–based hub supporting the consumer, peer support, and lived experience (CPSLE) workforce in mental health and addiction. It provides a shared space for connection, learning, and professional support, including supervision, coaching, and mentoring. Funded by Health New Zealand, the hub helps people using lived experience to build skills, strengthen networks, and create positive change within their communities and services.