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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 16(2)

Implementing mental health peer support: a South Australian experience

Carmen C. D. Franke A C , Barbara C. Paton B and Lee-Anne J. Gassner B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Peer Work Project, Baptist Care (SA) Inc., PO Box 39, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.

B Research and Business Development Unit, Baptist Care (SA) Inc., 157 Beulah Road, Norwood, SA 5067, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: cfranke@sabaptist.asn.au

Australian Journal of Primary Health 16(2) 179-186 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY09067
Published: 19 May 2010

Abstract

Mental illness is among the greatest causes of disability, diminished quality of life and reduced productivity. Mental health policy aims to reform services to meet consumers’ needs and one of the strategies is to increase the number of consumers working in the mental health service system. In South Australia, the Peer Work Project was established to provide a program for the training of consumers to work alongside mental health services. The project developed a flexible training pathway that consisted of an information session, the Introduction to Peer Work (IPW) course and further training pathways for peer workers. External evaluation indicated that the IPW course was a good preparation for peer workers, but a crucial factor in the implementation process of employing peer workers was commitment and leadership within the organisation in both preparing the organisation and supporting peer workers in their role. To assist organisations wanting to employ peer workers, a three step model was developed: prepare, train and support. The project has been successful in establishing employment outcomes for IPW graduates. The outcomes increased with time after graduation and there was a shift from voluntary to paid employment.

Additional keywords: mental health consumers, peer specialists, workplace mentoring.


Acknowledgements

Consumers, peer workers, the staff of employing organisations, the Peer Work Project staff and other stakeholders are thanked for sharing their experiences and knowledge. Funding for this project was provided by the Mental Health Unit, Department of Health, South Australian Government.


References


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1 A peer worker role was defined as a position where it was required to use the lived experience of mental illness.

2 Some organisations do not differentiate between peer worker roles and support work and in some organisations the individual can choose whether or not to disclose their lived experience.