We caught up with Kristine Rawlinson, winner of the 2025 Lived Experience Change Maker Award Carers/ Family/ Whanau, to hear about what inspires her, her journey in the sector, and her perspectives on the work driving change. Consider it a little dose of inspiration from someone making a real impact.
What moment or experience first sparked your commitment to improving mental health services?
Having been on the receiving end of poor (or no) support as a carer while I was caring for both my husband and son who have mental health challenges, I had my first exposure to support from Power to Care (then called PS My Family Matters). It was then that I experienced person centred care and felt seen, valued and respected and my wellbeing sky rocketed and I knew that this was the way forward. Now, I’m the CEO of the organisation and I’m working to build the organisation so that it can help carers to experience the same level of community based, carer-led, person-centred support.
What inspired the work or initiative that led to your award, and what need or gap were you aiming to address in the sector?
I’m an unpaid carer and my work with Power to Care as CEO is voluntary. My focus is on reducing mental and administrative load on unpaid carers by supporting them to access the formal and informal supports available to them and the people they support including organisations like Carer Gateway, NDIS, advocacy, Centrelink, neighbourhood houses, etc. I am a fierce advocate for change in the way carers are supported and hope for a strengths based approach rather than the existing deficit based approach. I’ve also worked with community based organisations (eg neighbourhood houses) to trial programs akin to social prescription to help reduce social isolation, while at the same time linking carers in with connections that might be able to help them access formal and informal supports.
How has receiving a TheMHS Award impacted your work, your team, or the reach of your project since winning?
Receiving the award has been an amazing source of pride and ‘bragging rights’. It has opened doors for me when applying for grants and positions on boards etc because I can mention that I have been recognised with this honour and it holds value.
What motivated you to apply for the award, and what did you learn through the application process?
Having attended the conference before I wanted more people to know about the work I that was doing and all that Power to Care was trying to achieve. So, together with a board member, I decided to apply and through the application process I became quietly proud of all that I had achieved in my time with the organisation.
What would you say to someone considering applying for a TheMHS Award in 2026, and why do you believe it’s important to showcase their work?
I would definitely encourage them to apply. It’s a great form of self-evaluation and feedback and, if you get selected it makes you feel as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning.
Was there a turning point in your career when you realised your work was creating a real systemic change?
When I trialled the ‘carer VIP card’ in neighbourhood houses. We gave neighbourhood houses funding to give carers access to free activities at their local neighbourhood house/community centre and it increased their connection within their local community, their physical/emotional wellbeing, their pre-employment skills, their access to supports and services etc. It was a cost effective and high impact initiative. Anyone want to fund this on an ongoing basis? Hint hint!!
If you could redesign one aspect of the mental health system overnight, what would it be and why?
My preference would be to have greater partnerships in community rather than being so health focussed. So, having more of a presence in community/mainstream organisations such as neighbourhood houses/centres, libraries, schools etc.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
University is great, but life is an even better teacher. Be curious and humble. You will always have something to learn and someone to learn from.
