Why Co-Design Fails in Mental Health

Award-winning social worker, national advisor, and PhD researcher Michael Elwan explores why co-design in mental health often fails and what meaningful participation requires.

Michael Elwan

13 hours ago5 min read

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Michael Elwan Finalist Barbara Hocking Award 2025

LiFE Award Winner - Outstanding Contribution Individual - Michael Elwan.jpg

Michael Elwan - Award Winner - 2025 WA Mental Health Award - Lived Experience Impact & Inspiration

LiFE Award Winner - Priority Populations - LEXs

Michael Elwan - Social Worker of the year National award AASW

WA Multicultural Awards 2026- Michael Elwan Winner.jpg

Michael Elwan - Finalist - 2025 Sir Roland Wilson Leadership (WA Multicultural Awards)

Lived Experience Solutions (LEXs)
Where care feels human again

Lived Experience Solutions (LEXs) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

At LEXs, lived and living experience sits at the heart of the work. I value the knowledge of individuals, families, carers and kin who navigate mental health challenges, distress and recovery, and whose expertise helps make care more human, compassionate and responsive. I am particularly committed to the wellbeing of multicultural communities, whose experiences are too often overlooked in mainstream mental health systems.

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