Roses in the Ocean Lived Experience Advisory Group: Michael Elwan’s Appointment

I’m pleased to share that I have been appointed as a member of the Roses in the Ocean Lived Experience Advisory Group.

For me, this appointment matters because lived and living experience should not sit at the edges of systems. It should help shape how organisations think, decide, design, and improve; especially in areas as serious and human as suicide prevention.

The Roses in the Ocean Lived Experience Advisory Group appointment reflects the direction of my work over many years. Across practice, leadership, advisory work, research, and public contribution, I have remained committed to strengthening the place of lived/living experience in the rooms where influence sits; governance, service design, improvement, accountability, and culturally responsive practice.

Why the Roses in the Ocean Lived Experience Advisory Group matters

This Group matters because it reflects a deeper shift in how lived and living experience of suicide is understood. It is no longer enough to invite people in only after decisions have already been made. Serious organisations are increasingly recognising that lived/living experience belongs in strategy, governance, implementation, evaluation, and culture.

That is the lens I bring to my work. I am interested in what makes systems safer, more responsive, more culturally thoughtful, and more accountable to the people they serve. I am also interested in the practical question that often gets avoided; how do we move from good intentions to work that is structured, useful, and real?

What the Roses in the Ocean Lived Experience Advisory Group means for my work

This appointment strengthens a body of work I already offer through LEXs.

This includes social work supervision for practitioners wanting a reflective, grounded space to think carefully about complex practice.

It includes peer workforce supervision that respects the depth, pressure, and leadership often carried by peer workers and lived experience practitioners.

It includes consultancy and project support for NGOs, government, and purpose-led organisations seeking support with lived/living experience leadership, culturally responsive practice, service improvement, and meaningful co-creation.

It also includes facilitation, training, and speaking; particularly where organisations want not just ideas, but thoughtful implementation.

A quiet appointment with real weight

I do not see this as a decorative appointment. I see it as a serious responsibility.

It strengthens my commitment to work that helps systems hold people better; and to support practitioners, peer workers, organisations, and leaders who are trying to build care that feels more human, more responsive, and more accountable.

I’m grateful to Roses in the Ocean for the opportunity to contribute through its Lived Experience Advisory Group, and for the trust placed in members to bring lived and living experience of suicide perspectives into conversations that matter.

If you are looking for social work supervision, peer workforce supervision, or consultancy and project support, you are welcome to get in touch.

Based in Perth, WA, LEXs provides telehealth counselling across Australia for individuals, couples, and NDIS participants. Services extend to Social Work supervision, Peer Work supervision, training, and keynote speaking on men’s mental health, CaLD community wellbeing, and culturally responsive suicide prevention; helping people and organisations make mental-health care more compassionate, inclusive, and effective. LEXs provides services across Australia, supporting clients in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and beyond. To learn more about our work across Australia, visit LEXs' services.