Systems Don’t Heal People; People Do: Relational Care, Families, Kin, Friends, Shared Solutions
Tracks
Springbrook Room - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| 11:35 AM - 12:05 PM |
Overview
De Backman-Hoyle & Katrina Armstrong, Mental Health Carers Australia
Details
1. How relational, carer-inclusive practice improves engagement, safety, cultural responsiveness and outcomes for consumers while supporting professionals in their roles.
2. Why recognising diverse forms of family, kin and friends is central to human rights, equity and sustainable service delivery in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
3. Practical actions for health leaders, including consent-based information sharing, carer-inclusive care planning, funded peer supports and measuring connection and continuity as core quality indicators.
Presenter
Katrina Armstrong
CEO
Mental Health Carers Australia
Systems Don’t Heal People; People Do: Relational Care, Families, Kin, Friends, Shared Solutions
Biography
Bio not provided
De Backman-Hoyle
National Manager, Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
Mental Health Carers Australia
Systems Don’t Heal People; People Do: Relational Care, Families, Kin, Friends, Shared Solutions
Biography
De Backman-Hoyle is the National Manager of Community Engagement at Mental Health Carers Australia and the 2025 recipient of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists College Citation for Lived Experience Leadership. A respected advocate and systems reformer, De has co-chaired the RANZCP Community Collaboration Committee and led national initiatives embedding carer and family perspectives in mental health policy, workforce development and service design. Known for her collaborative style and strategic insight, De works to strengthen recognition of relational care as central to recovery, inclusion and sustainable mental health reform.
