Authors: Annette Mercuri, Anna Epifanio
Year: 2019
Event: 2019 TheMHS Conference
Subject: book of proceedings
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
ISBN: 9780994570260
Abstract: Paper from the 2019 TheMHS Conference by Annette Mercuri and Anna Epifanio. Published as part of the 2019 Book of Proceedings.
Biography:
As a Carer Consultant in MH for over 11 years, Annette Mercuri has worked to effect systemic change that
ensures a partnership approach between consumers, family/carers and clinicians wherever possible and
that supporting family/carers in their caring role becomes core practice within mental health services.
As a Carer peer support worker /Carer peer support co ordinator, Anna Epifanio utilises her lived experience
as a mental health carer to support other carers and advocate for a greater awareness of the vital role of
mental health carers. Ensuring the carer perspective is incorporated at all levels including planning,
development, evaluation is her vision.
The impact of mental illness is enormous for the person with the mental illness, as well as for their
carer/family/support people, as it has significant repercussions on all aspects of life. Carers often experience
isolation, a lack of knowledge and are often not included or neglected within the clinical setting
Connection to a Carer Peer Support Worker (CPSW) can empower/support carers as well as promote
collaboration with clinicians and consumers which can lead to better outcomes for all.
Uniquely, this CPSW program was developed and implemented by Carer Lived Experience (LE), workers
within a clinical setting.
Provided is an overview of the model, and the key elements necessary to develop and implement a
successful CPSW program within a clinical mental health setting. Outlined are the principles and the
frameworks underpinning the program, the training, skills and attributes required by the CPSW, and staff, as
well as the support and supervision required. The underpinning collaborative leadership approach
employed by Carer LE discipline seniors with clinical and consumer leads to sustainable systemic processes.
The intricacies and challenges in developing the role within the clinical context are identified and the
predominant themes/issues/barriers experienced by carers within the service contribute to clinical service
development.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objective 1: Audience will gain an understanding of carer peer support in a clinical setting and the
boundaries that guide the work as well as gaining an insight into the benefits, challenges, supports and
processes required to implement a successful carer peer support program in a clinical setting as opposed to
a community setting.
Learning Objective 2: Topic is relevant with the DHHS funding of post-discharge carer peer support recently
and the difficulties and variations that have resulted without guidelines on implementation. The model of
carer peer support is successful and upholds both consumers and carers rights as well as assists in obtaining
better outcomes for consumers.
References
Young, J., Weir, S., & Rycroft, P. (2012).Implementing Single Session therapy. Australian and New Zealand
Journal of Family Therapy, 33(1), 84-97.
Worthington, A., Rooney, P., & Hannan, R. (2013). Triangle of Care-Carers Included: A guide to best-practice
in MH care. 2nd Ed. London:Carers Trust
This resource is only available for subscribers. If you have a subscription, please log in. Otherwise, click here to purchase a subscription.