We mentioned in a recent blog post in honour of our 1 year anniversary as a journal, that PLOS Mental Health is excited to be introducing a lived experience focus group for 2025.
Why are we starting this group?
As previously communicated, the incorporation of lived experience perspectives is something that is central to the mission of PLOS Mental Health. The introduction of this group is another way in which we are committed to ensuring that lived experiences inform and shape our journal. Although we are already doing this through our editors, content and other initiatives, it is important to also bring in lived experience voices before the inception of further ideas and actions. This not only ensures that the input that we are receiving is diverse and inclusive, but that it is not serving simply as feedback. It will have a role in determining journal direction.
What will the group do?
The focus group will consist of approximately 10 individuals who identify as having lived experience of a mental health condition. They will meet twice a year via zoom. The group will discuss journal content and initiatives in the context of sensitivity and inclusivity, and they will also help us identify gaps in our mission.
Who will be in the group?
The group will not consist of individuals who are already involved with the journal in an editorial capacity, however we welcome applications from you if you have reviewed for us or submitted your work (or neither!). We would like the group to be as diverse as possible and will keep this in mind when selecting the first cohort. Whilst we welcome those with lived experience who have formal qualifications or research experience in mental health we also welcome those who do not.
Will I need to disclose anything to be part of the group?
If you are interested in applying, you can fill in the application form below by Tuesday 31st December 2024. The form includes details about the information that you will need to provide. Members of the group will be selected and notified by the end of January 2025. Disclosing details about your mental health condition or experience is entirely optional however please note that identities of group members will be public (though not any details beyond your name, photo and location). You may choose to share details publicly or with other members of the group, but this choice will always be yours.
We also understand that some of you may be interested in being part of the group but would not be comfortable with sharing your identity even within a small group setting. This is why, as part of the application form, we have included the option to give feedback about the journal separately to the public focus group. In this case, you will only interact with our Executive Editor and no details about you will be shared.
If you have any questions before submitting your application that is not answered by the information in this blog or the application form, please contact kmontague-cardoso@plos.org.
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