ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Scholarship

These scholarships recognise mental health consumers who are furthering their education. They are intended to cover general education expenses such as computers, course texts and course fees.

Award Recipient Shauna Winram
Shauna is a PhD candidate in the School of Philosophy, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University. She is a lived experience researcher, having had three psychotic episodes in her twenties. Her PhD is entitled Consciousness and the Phenomenology of Psychosis. As part of Shauna’s research, she is conducting an online survey as well as interviewing participants who have experienced psychosis. Shauna’s approach to understanding psychosis differs from the dominant biomedical model. She hopes that by exploring the ways that consciousness can vary, we can learn more about the type of experiences people have when they are psychotic. Her goal is to take the first-person experience of psychosis seriously and to determine how our philosophical and scientific understanding of consciousness can shed light on this experience and, in turn, how our understanding of psychosis can shed light on consciousness.

“What we colloquially call ‘madness’ refers to quintessentially human experiences. If we are to understand disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, then it is important to listen to the experiences of those who have been ‘mad’. But beyond this, a rich understanding of humanity requires that we listen – and listen carefully – to what those who have experienced madness have to say.” Shauna Winram

Lived Experience Ally Recognition Award (Group)
This award recognises an organisation with a longstanding and exceptional contribution to mental health consumers and consumer-centred mental health services in the ACT. It acknowledges those who work collaboratively with consumers to achieve positive change.

Award Recipient Safe Haven Belconnen
Safe Haven Belconnen is a warm, non-clinical support service offering compassionate care to individuals experiencing suicidal distress. Operated by Peer Workers with their own lived experience of mental illness and recovery, Safe Haven has supported hundreds of guests in regaining a sense of safety, calm, and hope during their most vulnerable moments. The Peer Workers spend meaningful time with guests, offering emotional support, co-developing safety plans, and walking alongside them through their crisis.

Lived Experience Ally Recognition Award (Individual)
This award recognises an individual with a longstanding and exceptional contribution to mental health consumers and consumer-centred mental health services in the ACT. It acknowledges those who work collaboratively with consumers to achieve positive change.

Award Recipient Pippa Newman
Pippa is nominated for their thoughtful and rigorous advocacy at Women With Disabilities ACT. As Policy Officer, Pippa leads systemic reform efforts that centre the voices of women and non-binary people with disabilities in policy and decision-making. Through convening WWDACT’s Policy Advisory Committee and contributing to national panels, Pippa fosters inclusive, rights-based approaches to education and violence prevention. Their leadership is grounded in trust, collaboration, and a deep respect for community wisdom.

David Perrin Award
The award is presented in memory of David Perrin, an individual with multiple disabilities who made his mark in mental health services and was an inspiration to all who knew him. It recognises a mental health consumer who lives an independent and self-determined life beyond what they may have expected after diagnosis.

Award Recipient David Greenwood
David is a passionate music educator who has taught students of all ages and abilities for over 30 years. Despite facing serious health challenges and housing insecurity, he continues to volunteer his time, sharing music and humour with disadvantaged communities across the ACT and NSW. His dedication to supporting others, even while living in his car, reflects extraordinary resilience and compassion. David is not only a gifted teacher and advocate, but a source of inspiration to those around him, using his lived experience to challenge systemic barriers and uplift others through music and connection.

Consumer Small Business Grant
This award recognises a consumer who is supporting their recovery through using their skills and talents to operate a successful and thriving small business. The Award recognises the strength and courage required to do this and provides support to help grow the business.

Award Recipient Jennifer Adams
Jenny established Popcorn Art in March 2025 to offer affordable, high-quality Giclee prints and original acrylic paintings. Her business model prioritises standard sizing to reduce framing costs, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and social equity. She regularly exhibits in Canberra galleries and sells at local markets including the Old Bus Depot and Canberra Art Fair. Jenny’s practice combines artistic quality with inclusive, community-focused values.