Consumer stories - Stephen

Why did you get involved as a consumer advisor with IMPACCT?

I first heard about consumer representatives through a friend who had become a consumer representative, and one of his roles was with Safer Care Victoria (SCV).

I soon became interested in the role and thought it was something I also could enjoy doing. My friend kindly referred me to SCV and after a chat, I was invited to join one of their committees, which focused on issues affecting the elderly.

While I had no lived experience of my own relevant to the position, since 2014 I had been a volunteer visitor to two aged care facilities, in addition to elderly friends who I had visited in their homes and aged care facilities.
It was a steep learning curve, but I like to think I learnt quickly, and certainly made every effort to be a good contributor.

Since then, I have been on numerous other SCV committees. SCV is a leader in utilising the knowledge and experience of consumers, which makes it a very rewarding and stimulating environment. Through SCV, I have also had the opportunity to address conferences about my experiences, as well as be a member of committees and expert working groups.

My ‘career’ as a consumer has progressed in other directions also, largely associated with issues relating to the elderly, but some far more broadly, due to my more general experience now as a consumer. For example, I am a member of two committees within the Royal Flying Doctor Service Vic, and a member of the Consumer Advisory Group of the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust. I have worked with the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), through the NHMRC, and am a consumer within a research project funded by the MRFF looking into an aspect of elderly care.

It goes without saying that I very much enjoy the role of a consumer advisor. The subject matter is interesting and provides a great learning opportunity. I am always associated with educated, knowledgeable (often far more than me), intelligent people; and I enjoy having my say and representing the public, especially the elderly (a cohort I am edging into myself).

As for IMPACCT, and similarly with the other groups I’m a consumer with, the subject matter interested me and I felt I could make a contribution. Through IMPACCT, I am involved in the Palliative Care in Prisons Project. This is a topic I am very interested in, bringing together as it does issues pertaining to (usually, but not always) elderly people, who are in prison.

What are you most proud about regarding your involvement with IMPACCT?

I don’t know if I have done enough yet for IMPACCT to say what I’m proud of, but whatever contribution I can make that is considered of any value I am pleased about. More generally though, I am somewhat proud, and quite pleased, of what I have been able to achieve with my consumer role over the past four years or so.

What has been your biggest learning from being involved with IMPACCT?

Through IMPACCT, I have learnt something about the numerous research ideas and projects we are asked to consider, plus the whole process of preparing a research proposal and application for funding. More generally again, with IMPACCT and other groups I’m part of, mixing with such high-quality people is a wonderful learning and stimulating experience. While hopefully I’m making some kind of positive contribution, I know as a certainty I am gaining a lot from the involvement.

Stephen is a former lawyer, corporate public relations consultant, and small business owner in Japan. Stephen has established a completely new life for himself since ceasing paid employment in 2014, by undertaking numerous community-oriented volunteer roles with a particular interest in social justice and supporting the elderly. Stephen is very interested also in representing the elderly as a consumer with research into palliative care, including the specialised and growing area of care in prisons.