The NMHCCF provides advocacy on mental health consumer and carer issues through representation on a large number of national bodies, such as government committees and advisory groups, professional bodies and other consultative forums and events. NMHCCF members also research and prepare submissions, raise awareness and share information relevant to consumers and carers at the national level.

NMHCCF members ensure that issues and concerns of consumers and carers are acknowledged and addressed as part of the national policy development process in Australia.

For more information about the achievements made by the NMHCCF each year, please read the annual reports below:

The NMHCCF Strategic Plan guides its activities.

The NMHCCF meets face-to-face at least twice a year with all other business and meetings conducted electronically or via teleconference.

In 2020 and 2021 the NMHCCF is meeting on a 6-weekly basis via videoconference.

The following reports are provided after every two day NMHCCF face-to-face meeting to inform consumers and carers and other NMHCCF stakeholders about NMHCCF meeting activities:

The NMHCCF Operating Guidelines were first endorsed by the NMHCCF in April 2007 and revised in 2011 and 2016. Please click on the links below to access the NMHCCF Operating Guidelines.

NMHCCF Operating Guidelines
Appendix A - NMHCCF Member Report Form
Appendix B - Mental Health Australia Selection Process (under revision)
Appendix C - NMHCCF Style Guide

The NMHCCF has also agreed a nationally consistent approach for NMHCCF consumer and carer selection and representation.

NMHCCF History

Originally known as the National Consumer and Carer Forum (NCCF),  this unique model was developed collaboratively in 2002 by peak consumer and carer groups and the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council Mental Health Standing Committee (AHMAC MHSC). The NMHCCF now reports directly to the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Principal Committee (previously MHSC).

In November 2005, in order to reflect the specific mental health purpose of the NCCF and distinguish itself from other consumer and/or carer organisations within Australia, the NCCF changed its name to the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF).

Mental Health Australia provides support and resources for the NMHCCF, which is funded through state/territory and Australian Government contributions.

In 2016/17, an independent evaluation of the NMHCCF was undertaken, at the request of the Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Principal Committee.

Craze Lateral Solutions were engaged to carry out this evaluation. The evaluation considered the entirety of the NMHCCF's acheivements within current resources, limitations and opportunities, and against the backdrop of a rapidly changing mental health policy and service landscape.

The evaluation included examination of the following elements:

• NMHCCF membership and reporting lines; constituency connections
• performance of the NMHCCF, including consideration of current funding
• current auspice arrangement and contractual/funding agreements
• governance and operational processes
• resources - management of funding and staffing
• collaboration and partnerships
• effectiveness of promotion, publications and advocacy tools.