Open Dialogue Foundations Course

Advancing Peer-Led Practice Through Open Dialogue

Every young person we support deserves access to approaches that are grounded in evidence, lived experience and innovation. Our commitment to continuous learning recently saw seven members of our team complete the next stage of the Open Dialogue Foundations Course, strengthening our capacity to deliver trauma-informed, peer-led mental health support across Australia.

Open Dialogue is an internationally recognised, evidence-based model delivered in Australia through the Open Dialogue Centre. The approach brings together the person experiencing mental health challenges, their family and their broader support network to participate equally in conversations that shape their care. It prioritises collaboration, transparency and shared understanding. 

Recently, seven members of the Youth Insearch team completed the Open Dialogue Foundations Course, deepening their knowledge of dialogical practice and strengthening their ability to integrate these principles across our programs. This includes our Weekend Workshops, Weekly Support Groups and Leadership Pathway, where young people and Peer Leaders create safe spaces.

Partnering with the Open Dialogue Centre reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening peer-led and trauma-informed practice through collaboration and learning. This partnership builds on more than four decades of evidence showing that peer-led connection, lived experience and collective dialogue drive stronger mental health outcomes, , early intervention and long-term resilience. Together, we are continuing to refine how we deliver support, ensuring that every young person remains at the centre of their own journey.

To learn more about how Open Dialogue supports mental health, visit the Open Dialogue Centre.

Or explore how Youth Insearch is driving systemic change through peer-led, trauma-informed programs that improve mental health, connection and leadership outcomes for young Australians, discover our impact.