The Council for Community Mental Health (CCMH) is composed of an extraordinary group of individuals whose lived experiences, insight, and compassion are driving meaningful change in how mental health systems are shaped and governed. Each member brings a unique perspective informed by personal journeys, community involvement, and a deep commitment to improving the wellbeing of others.
Working alongside community partners, the Council plays a vital leadership role in advancing the Lived Experience Governance Model—a bold and innovative approach that recognizes lived experience as essential expertise. Through collaboration, consultation, and collective wisdom, members ensure that decisions affecting mental health systems are grounded in authenticity, inclusion, and understanding. This model was co-developed by the Council for Community Mental Health (CCMH) alongside the Canadian Mental Health Association, Edmonton Region (Co-lead), City of Edmonton (Co-lead), United Way of the Alberta Capital Region (Co-lead), e4c, Edmonton Chamber of Volunteer Organizations, and EndPovertyEdmonton.
Their work is not only visionary but deeply human. The Council’s dedication, creativity, and courage exemplify what is possible when people with lived experience are meaningfully included in governance and leadership. Together, they are helping to build a more equitable, compassionate, and effective community mental health system—one that truly works for everyone.
At its foundation is the Onion Model, a governance framework that positions people with lived experience at its core, surrounded by caregivers, frontline workers, and system organizations. This structure rebalances traditional power dynamics by recognizing lived experience as a form of expertise, highly influential in shaping policy and program decisions.
Please click on the photos to get to know more about the council members.
