Canberra’s mental health workforce is to be better supported following a scholarship program for peer support workers.
Inviting applications, the Minister for Mental Health, Emma Davidson said the Mental Health Peer Work Scholarship Program would provide up to $5,000 in funding for people with lived mental health experience to complete a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work.
“Our mental health workforce directly influences mental health and wellbeing outcomes across the community,” Ms Davidson said.
“Having an experienced, skilled and engaged workforce is critical in ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and support for people experiencing mental health issues, their families and their carers,” she said.
She said peer workers had a lived experience of mental illness and provided valuable contributions by sharing their experience of mental illness and recovery with others.
Ms Davidson said they provided person-centred treatment, care and support that placed the person with mental health concerns at the centre of their care.
“The peer workforce has an integral role in the broader service delivery system, bringing valuable skills and experiences that assist people receiving mental health care, and their carers, on their recovery journey,” the Minister for Mental Health said.
“Research has shown peer workers can help people to recover sooner, to stay in recovery longer, and, and increase engagement and empowerment for people receiving care and for health care providers.”
Ms Davidson said six scholarships were available for study commencing in 2023.
Further information on the scholarships can be accessed at this PS News link.
