Driving transformative changes in mental health nursing

Professor Lorna Moxham FACN, co-founder of Recovery Camp, has been awarded the prestigious Health Minister’s Award for Nursing Trailblazers, an accolade that recognises nurse leaders who are driving transformative changes in health and aged care in Australia through innovative practices and models of care.

This award, the only one of its kind in Australia, highlights the significant contributions made by nurses like Professor Moxham, whose work has substantially improved outcomes for the Australian community.

With over 40 years of experience in mental health nursing, Professor Moxham’s career has been dedicated to enhancing emotional well-being and supporting recovery. In 2013, she co-founded Recovery Camp, which has since evolved into a highly successful, nurse-led program across three states.

Recovery Camp offers a unique experience where health students and individuals with mental illness spend five days and four nights together in an adventure camp setting. This innovative approach has not only served as an evidence-based intervention for mental health recovery but has also provided an award-winning clinical placement for students in nursing, occupational therapy, and paramedicine.

To date, over 1,600 students have benefited from this program, gaining invaluable insights directly from individuals with lived experiences of mental illness, guided by specialist mental health nurse facilitators.

Upon receiving the award, Professor Moxham reflected on the honour, stating, "I was initially overwhelmed when my name was announced, especially considering the incredible work being done by the other finalists.

"This recognition is not just for me but for the entire Recovery Camp team and everyone who has been part of this journey over the past 11 years. It acknowledges the impact we’ve made on so many lives and the importance of innovative approaches in mental health care."

The Health Minister’s Award for Nursing Trailblazers, established by the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), was presented at the ACN National Nursing Forum in Cairns by the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP. Professor Moxham’s innovative work with Recovery Camp stood out for its collaborative approach, bringing together nursing students and individuals with mental illness in a supportive camp environment.

Professor Moxham offers advice to others considering similar initiatives: "Follow your dreams and don't give up, even when challenges arise. The success of Recovery Camp, now over a decade old, is a testament to perseverance and the power of evidence-based innovation. Building a strong empirical foundation has been crucial for us, and I encourage others to do the same."

Looking forward, Professor Moxham remains committed to advancing Recovery Camp and promoting mental health nursing education.

"This award provides an opportunity to further our work, increase awareness of non-traditional clinical placements, and continue to destigmatise mental illness. I hope to see Recovery Camp become a national initiative, offering support and education to more individuals across Australia."