Session Resources S038: “May the force be with you: A guide to building a mental health peer workforce”

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By September 9, 2015 No Comments

Authors: Katrina Davis, Leanne Craze, Sage Green

Year: 2015

Event: 2015 TheMHS Conference

Subject: Transforming Mental Health

Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers

Abstract: Living Well: A Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW 2014-2024 details a number of actions regarding strengthening the peer workforce.

To assist organisations to explore opportunities in this area, the Mental Health Commission of NSW held a Peer Work Forum in March 2015. The Forum was targeted at decision-makers, recruiters and managers of organisations wishing to establish or grow their peer workforce. Consumer leaders and leaders of community managed organisations with strong peer workforces were recruited to provide guidance and leadership on the day. Attendees had the opportunity to hear about NSW government and non-government experiences in supporting peer workers and explore new opportunities. A range of resources have been made available following the event.

These resources will include a peer work guide that the Commission engaged Craze Lateral Solutions to develop. The guide builds on the Peer Workforce Study undertaken by Health Workforce Australia and other recent reports, studies and guides. The guide covers areas including roles and functions, principles for employment, training and support, supervision, recruitment processes and workforce development. The guide was informed by extensive consultation with stakeholders including consumers and current and future employers of peer workers.

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