When it comes to mental health, making your own choices matters. Yet for many people, those choices can become harder to express during times of illness or crisis. An upcoming free workshop, My Rights, My Decisions, hosted by the ACT Mental Health Consumer Network, will help Canberrans understand how to protect their rights and ensure their voice is heard.
Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
Time: 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: The Network Office, Canberra City
Cost: Free – registration required [click here]
For more information contact Petra at education@actmhcn.org.au
The session will guide participants through the practical steps of advance care planning under the Mental Health Act 2015 (ACT). It’s designed for anyone wanting to better understand their mental-health rights and how to plan for the future, particularly people living with mental health conditions, carers, and those supporting loved ones.
Knowing your rights before you need them
Workshop facilitator Petra from the ACT Mental Health Consumer Network says the session gives people the knowledge and tools to take control of their care in a way that feels safe and empowering.
“Advance care planning isn’t just paperwork, it’s peace of mind,” she explains. “It ensures that your treatment preferences, your values, and the people who support you are clearly documented so your wishes are known and respected if you’re unable to communicate them later.”
Participants will learn about three key tools within the ACT’s Mental Health Act:
- Nominated Persons – trusted people you choose to be involved in your treatment and advocacy.
- Advance Agreements – documents that record your views, wishes and preferred treatments.
- Advance Consent Directions – formal statements about consent to, or refusal of, specific treatments or medications.
These legal instruments allow individuals to express preferences for therapies, medications, or hospital care, and even outline what should happen to their dependents or pets if they are too unwell to manage daily responsibilities.
Why advance planning matters
Advance care planning can make a world of difference during a mental health crisis. It reduces stress for family members and treating teams, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures that care aligns with what the person truly wants.
Petra says the workshop also helps to clarify a common misconception: that you must be unwell to create an advance plan.
“In fact, the best time to plan is when you’re well,” she says. “That’s when you can think clearly about what supports you, what doesn’t, and who you trust to help you make decisions.”
Building a culture of self-advocacy
The My Rights, My Decisions workshop is part of a broader effort by the ACT Mental Health Consumer Network to build a culture of self-advocacy and informed participation across the mental health system. By demystifying the legislation and simplifying the language, the Network aims to make these important rights accessible to everyone, not just those with legal or clinical backgrounds.
This interactive, in-person session invites open discussion and provides practical templates and examples that attendees can adapt to their own circumstances. Whether you’re new to mental health planning or updating an existing agreement, the workshop will give you confidence to take the next step.
How to take part
Places are limited, and registration is essential.
To secure your spot, visit the ACT Mental Health Consumer Network website.
For further details or accessibility needs, contact Petra at education@actmhcn.org.au.
A step toward person-centred care
At Purpose Media CBR, we know that understanding your rights is a powerful part of wellbeing. Events like My Rights, My Decisions remind us that mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s about dignity, choice, and voice.
If you or someone you know wants to learn how to make decisions in advance, this free training is a valuable opportunity to be informed, prepared, and heard.
Because when we plan ahead, we protect our peace of mind—and the people who matter most.
