A new scholarship program to support Canberrans working with mental health has been announced to undertake nationally recognised vocational training in mental health peer work.
Entitled the Mental Health Peer Work Scholarship, the program is taking applications from people with lived mental health experience now and will be open until 23 June.
The program will provide successful applicants with up to $5,000 to complete a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work with six scholarships available for studying commencing in 2023.
ACT Minister for Mental Health, Emma Davidson said the program was part of an ongoing commitment to developing and supporting the mental health workforce in the ACT.
“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 peer workers had a lived experience of mental illness and provided valuable contributions by sharing their experience of mental illness and recovery with others.
She said they provided person-centred treatment as well as care and support that places 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,” Ms Davidson said.
“Research has shown peer workers can help people to recover sooner, to stay in recovery longer and increase engagement and empowerment for people receiving care and for health care providers.”
She said creating and growing the skilled mental health peer workforce was supported through the ACT Mental Health Workforce Strategy, the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategic Approach to Mental Health in the ACT, and the ACT Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.
The scholarship program is funded through the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care and applications can be made to ACT Health at this PS News link.
