Peer Support can be offered professionally (Peer Support Work), or informally (such as through friendships and support groups).
Mental health peer support can bring a range of benefits, such as friendship, empowerment, acceptance, stigma reduction and shared learning and insights for recovery.
The Network offers a bimonthly (every 2 months) newsletter and network meetings.
Joining the network is free and open to peer supporters, simply email info@peersupportwa.org.au or contact (08) 9258 8911.
In late 2017, the WAPSN in partnership with CoMHWA established the Peer Workforce Champions’ Community of Practice.
It includes an online collaboration forum and bimonthly meetings.
Convened by the WA Peer Supporters’ Network and Consumers of Mental Health WA, the Community of Practice is funded by the Mental Health Commission of WA and was established in late 2017 as an industry forum for advice, guidance and support in establishing, growing and sustaining the peer workforce.
It aims to strengthen peer workforce uptake and capabilities through inter-agency knowledge sharing, support and collaboration and is ideal for organisations who wish to stay up to date with peer workforce initiatives, sector changes, resources and industry perspectives on best practice. Examples of people who may benefit include:
Those planning or overseeing workforces (e.g. managers, HR, senior and executive staff)
Service coordinators/line managers
Sponsors, policy makers and funders
Other peer workforce stakeholders, e.g. trainers, researchers, peer workforce consultants
Membership is open to anyone involved in developing the peer workforce within their organisation and/or sector of work. There are no minimum attendance requirements but organisations may wish to delegate a champion to regularly attend and bring ideas back to their organisation.
A second learning and collaboration network, the WA Peer Supporters’ Network meetings, run separately from the Community of Practice, and focus on people in peer support work roles and those seeking to learn more about peer support.
To learn about the benefits of a peer workforce, to enquire about or join the Community of Practice, please email info@peersupportwa.org.au or phone us on (08) 9258 8911.
““The Cert IV turned my life around. I used to be stuck at home, never leaving the house. Now I get out and do things. I’m really appreciative of the qualification.””
As part of CoMHWA’s commitment to peer support, we offer scholarships and student support for people with a lived experience of mental health issues or a carer of a family member with mental health issues. CoMHWA is working with training provider North Metropolitan TAFE to support students in successful completion of their studies.
The Cert IV Mental Health Peer Work Program is funded by the Mental Health Commission of Western Australia.
Click here to download the Information Pack
Click here to download the Application Form in PDF
Click here to download the Application Form in Word doc
Click here to access the online version of the Application Form
Come to our Information Session - Tuesday 1st December, 6pm at North Metro TAFE, Leederville.
Click here to download the flyer.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 7th December.
EOI to support peer support or professional consultation in relation to people with Exceptionally Complex Support Needs. One of the ways the ECSN provides support is to provide or procure peer or other consultancy support to help navigate planning or support required to prevent or respond to crisis. A new initiative being developed to support this outcome is the introduction of consultancy panels.
