You are welcome to take part in one or both of the following.
Option One
Take part in the survey
We are inviting mental health researchers and people in mental health research-adjacent roles based in South Africa to take part in a short, anonymous survey. The survey explores how lived experience is understood within mental health research in South Africa — including whether and how researchers identify as having lived experience, and how it is perceived to shape research practice and research culture.
- 10–20 minutes
- Anonymous
- Adults (18+) in South Africa
Who can take part
Adults (18+) based in South Africa who are engaged in mental health research or research-adjacent roles, and who identify as having lived experience of mental health challenges or distress, neurodivergence, experiences of mental health care or treatment, trauma, or other psychosocial experiences that shape their research work.
Take part in the survey here:Please share within your networks.
Take the survey Option Two
Join the LENS Learning Collective
The LENS Learning Collective is a facilitated cohort of mental health researchers in South Africa with lived experience, forming as part of the Our LENS Matters project. The Collective brings researchers together through learning sessions, methods labs, and a participatory storytelling workshop — designed as a space for shared reflection and dialogue on how lived experience is navigated within mental health research.
Stipend support will be provided to recognise participants' time and contribution across core Collective activities.
Who can join
Mental health researchers based in South Africa who identify as having lived experience of mental health challenges or distress, neurodivergence, experiences of mental health care or treatment, trauma, or other psychosocial experiences that shape their research work.
Express your interest in joining:Please share within your networks.
Interested?
This project is commissioned by the Wellcome Trust as part of its Lived Experience Innovation Fund.
