WHAT IS EMPATHY BISCUIT?
A platform (Podcast and Blog) for lived experienced people to tell their stories. Empathy biscuit is a place to grow self-agency and empower yourself through sharing your story.
Storytelling is a part of every culture and happens in every language, shaping and informing our perspective.
Historically people living with or having experience of disabilities, mental health struggles, substance dependance, complex trauma, bullying, societal stigmas, racism, bigotry and isolation have not been in control of their own stories. Too often, they are talked about or written about without being given a chance to offer their input or shape their narrative. This happens in media, politics, and people's personal lives, where people speak for them without being asked to. Moving aside so people can share their stories allows them to take centre stage. This empowers people to have greater agency, ensuring they are seen and heard.
When storytelling focuses on lived experiences, it taps into knowledge people have gained from their experiences and choices during life. This is a valuable source of knowledge because people are experts in their own experiences. When people share their stories, they share insights that cannot be gained in any other way, enriching the knowledge of their listeners.
Experiences are varied and different. When many people can share their stories, it provides diverse views, voices, and perspectives. This allows stories to reflect the true diversity within our communities to broaden our understanding.
Focusing on the stories of people with lived experience and giving them the control to tell these stories in their own words is incredibly powerful, uplifting the storytellers and enriching the narratives we get to hear and see.
Empathy Biscuit was created by Madison Ross, a lived experience peer with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), AOD carer, and identifies with the #Metoo movement. Madison is currently completing their studies in Mental Health Peer Work and works professionally in Mental Health Community Engagement.
The mission of Empathy Biscuit is to provide a platform for people to share their stories without having to explain or justify their experiences. This initiative aims to combat mental health stigma and foster empathy.
You can share your story too.
To apply, please click this link and fill out the form. Someone will be in touch with you between 8-12 hours.
Our intention is for this process to be accessible to all. Do you need an accommodation or require assistance to complete this application? Please email us at empathybiscuit@hotmail.com
Important: Participants must be 18 and over. If you are under 18, please have your parent or guardian tell a story on your behalf.
Privacy and confidentiality: If you prefer to remain anonymous, your identity information will not be shared.
Empathy Biscuit Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.
Empathy Biscuit is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination. We welcome all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.
We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person's journey is unique and a valued contribution