The Mental Health Peer Workforce (MHPW) study was completed in September 2013. The study included a range of information-gathering activities, including site visits and interviews to compile case studies of peer workers from around Australia; a literature scan; and an online survey of mental health peer workers. Peer workers are people who have lived experience of mental illness, often directly, or within their family, and are employed specifically to share this experience and knowledge to help other people and families experiencing mental ill-health. Peer workers are employed around the count
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The Mental Health Peer Workforce (MHPW) study was completed in September 2013. The study included a range of information-gathering activities, including site visits and interviews to compile case studies of peer workers from around Australia; a literature scan; and an online survey of mental health peer workers. Peer workers are people who have lived experience of mental illness, often directly, or within their family, and are employed specifically to share this experience and knowledge to help other people and families experiencing mental ill-health. Peer workers are employed around the country, but in a range of different ways. Roles may include peer support, advocacy, health promotion, coordination or education. Peer workers may be employed in outreach services, inpatient units, day programs, and telephone services, amongst other service types. Currently, the peer workforce in Australia appears to be small, and often there is a lack of role clarity and workplace supports for these workers. The MHPW study proposes a more systematic approach to the adoption of the mental health peer workforce, for example through the establishment of National Mental Health Peer Workforce Development Guidelines.
Two documents were produced. 'Mental Health Peer Workforce study' reports on the findings of the MHPW study, and provides a set of recommendations that will strengthen and develop the mental health peer workforce as an important component of quality, recovery-focused mental health services. 'Mental Health Peer Workforce literature scan' aims to draw out issues relating to the mental health peer workforce from the recent academic and grey literature. It draws on national and international literature reviews and studies undertaken by others. Issues for consideration include: definitions; identification of the benefits of utilising peer workers in mental health services; and issues relating to the employment of peer workers. The majority of the literature referenced is from the United States of America and the United Kingdom, where the peer workforce is further developed than in Australia. The literature generally has a greater focus on consumer peer workforce than carer peer workforce.
Summary from publisher's website and edited excerpts from publications.
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