The National Mental Health Commission is pleased to release the first batch of Mental Health Peer Work training and assessment materials, for registered training organisations (RTOs) across Australia to use.
These allow RTOs to deliver the Mental Health Peer Work qualification for the consumer and carer peer workforce.
The peer workforce is arguably the fastest growing workforce in mental health in Australia. Based on international evidence and identified sector need, the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CSHISC) developed the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work to meet the needs of this emerging workforce.
The Commission has funded Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) to develop training materials that support and enhance the delivery of the Certificate IV. This project has been coordinated by the Mental Health Coordinating Council on behalf of CMHA.
The development of the resources was informed by broad consultation and national advisory groups including carer and consumer peer workers and services who support the peer workforce.
The Commission thanks everyone who has dedicated their time and expertise to this project. In particular, we acknowledge and thank CMHA for their collaborative efforts and skill, dedication and determination in producing these high quality materials.
Supporting peer workers
Find out more about the Commission's work to help support the mental health peer work sector.
Mental health leaders graduate from mentoring and development programme
In February, the National Mental Health Commission celebrated the graduation of the 11 participants in the National Future Leaders in Mental Health Project.
This project aims to support the further development of consumer and carer mental health leaders and advocates, and find and develop the next generation of leaders. It is an initiative of the National Mental Health Commission in collaboration with Mental Health Australia, and with the support of the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum.
In addition to an individual mentoring and leadership development program in 2014, participants also had the opportunity to contribute to the National Mental Health Commission’s work and national forums.
The graduates are:
- Julie Anderson (VIC)
- Dean Barton-Smith AM (VIC)
- Michael Burge OAM (QLD)
- Jen Coulls (SA)
- Fay Jackson (NSW)
- Lyn Mahboub (WA)
- Sarah McFarlane-Eagle (NSW)
- Rod McKay (NSW)
- Lei Ning (VIC)
- Rebecca Randall (ACT)
- Sebastian Robertson (NSW)
National Mental Health Commission Chair Prof. Allan Fels said: “The Commission believes strongly in the importance of developing the capacity of the consumer and carer movement, and in the power of lived experience, whether from personal experience or supporting someone else.
“We congratulate and welcome this group of mental health leaders and look forward to their ongoing contribution to mental health reform. We are all aiming and working for the same thing – helping ensure that all Australians live a contributing life, and achieve the best possible mental health and wellbeing.
“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Robyn Kruk AM, former CEO of the Commission and Janet Meagher AM, former National Mental Health Commissioner, who initiated and sponsored the programme, and provided leadership and mentoring throughout. Their support for this initiative has been immense, and they have placed incredible importance on helping develop the capacity of mental health leadership in Australia, which should be commended.”