Volunteer Member – Lived Experience Advocates for Mental Health & Addictions (LEAMHA)

Volunteer Member – Lived Experience Advocates for Mental Health & Addictions (LEAMHA)

Location: Ontario

Time Commitment: 2 hours per month

Term: 12-month initial term (renewable)

About LEAMHA

Lived Experience Advocates for Mental Health & Addictions (LEAMHA) is a peer-led coalition grounded in the leadership of people with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges. Guided by the principle “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” LEAMHA works to amplify lived voices, challenge systemic barriers, and advocate for community-driven, harm reduction–based solutions.

Our work is rooted in Peer Support, honoring the legacy of the consumer/survivor movement and centering intersectionality, collective access, and shared power.

Role Overview

LEAMHA is currently seeking Volunteer Members to join our coalition. As a Volunteer Member, you will share your lived experiences, insights, and advocacy skills to help shape our collective priorities. Your contributions will influence systems and policies while strengthening peer-led community responses to mental health and substance use challenges.

This role is ideal for individuals who want to engage in values-driven advocacy, peer leadership, and collective care within a supportive, trauma-informed environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in monthly coalition meetings (usually held virtually).
• Contribute lived experience perspectives to advocacy discussions and decision-making.
• Engage in peer-led advocacy initiatives, campaigns, or working groups.
• Support the development and sharing of knowledge (e.g., storytelling, newsletters, op-eds, policy input).
• Uphold LEAMHA’s values, confidentiality principles, and comfort agreement.
• Engage respectfully and collaboratively with peers and community partners.

Who Can Apply

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Are 18 years or older.
• Have lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Are interested in advocacy, peer support, and systemic change.
• Align with LEAMHA’s values, including harm reduction and intersectionality.
• Are able to commit to regular participation for 12 months.
• Are based in Ontario.

What We Offer

• A peer-led, trauma-informed, and values-aligned advocacy space.
• Opportunities to influence systems and policy through lived experience leadership.
• Honorarium of $25 per meeting.
• Low, flexible time commitment.
• Skill-building in advocacy, peer leadership, and collective organizing.
• Connection with a growing network of lived experience advocates.

Accessibility & Support

LEAMHA is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Alternate application formats (audio, video, assisted completion) are available. Supports and accommodation can be discussed as needed.

How to Apply

Please follow the guidelines in the following post: https://krasmancentre.com/now-recruiting-leamha-members-lived-experience-advocates-for-mental-health-addictions/

If you require the application or Terms of Reference in an alternate format or need support applying, please contact: 📩 leamha@krasmancentre.com