7 minute read

Rachael King says the Peer Cadet Program at Mind has given her a launchpad to start her career in the mental health sector.

Rachael, 30, is about to complete the nine-month cadetship with Mind through the Victorian government’s Peer Cadet Program.

The program gives students in the final stages of their studies valuable opportunities to learn their profession in real workplace settings. 

Peer cadets receive supervision, training and reflective practice in a structured environment, to help them develop professional knowledge, skills, and confidence. 

Rachael says her mental health peer work studies have given her the skills to use her own lived experience of mental health challenges to support others and that working as a peer cadet was an opportunity to put that knowledge into practice.

“From the start, Mind has been nothing but supportive and accommodating. All of the staff, the managers and the clinical partners have supported and encouraged me every step of the way.”

Rachael said the opportunity to work alongside an experienced peer support worker has given her a few more tools in her toolbox and some epiphanies along the way.

“Mind has supported me to support others, and encouraged me to share my perspectives and explore my ideas. This has been a genuine, authentic placement and a wholesome experience on so many levels. I feel like I’ve got everything out of the Peer Cadet Program and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

From the start, Mind has been nothing but supportive and accommodating. All of the staff, the managers and the clinical partners have supported and encouraged me every step of the way.
- Rachael King, Peer Cadet Program

Rachael experienced working at two different residential mental health support services as a cadet – the Community Recovery Program and an Adult Prevention and Recovery Care early intervention care service for people experiencing severe psychological distress.

At both services Rachael participated in team meetings, facilitated group recreational activities for service users and had one-on-one feedback opportunities with managers and peer workers.

She says these opportunities have prepared her for the start of her career, and reaffirmed that sharing her lived experience to support others is what she wants to do with her life.

“At the core of my experience I have seen the very best of staff who genuinely care about the consumers and have their heart in the right place,” Rachael said.

“Most importantly, the services have been safe places to put my knowledge into practice. I’ve explored what we’ve learnt in class in a safe, supportive environment, and I think that’s the key.

“This experience has encouraged me to show compassion in my work and it has taught me to believe in myself. The Peer Cadet Program has been the best place to start if you want to become job ready.”

Applications for the next round of the Peer Cadet Program will open in June 2024. To learn more about the Peer Cadet Program call Mind Connect on 1300 286 463 or email [email protected] 

Pictured: Mind peer cadet Rachael King and Heidelberg Prevention and Recovery Care Service Manager Chris Van Saane.

If this article raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
If you would like more information, please contact us.

1300 286 463 
[email protected]