Mind Australia will help develop and grow the mental health lived experience workforce with the support of the Victorian Government’s Lived and Living Experience Workforce Development Program. 

Mind will deliver a new Peer Work Program, funded by the Victorian Government, which provide professional development for mental health peer workers with lived experience of mental ill-health to gain the knowledge, skills and principles required for best practice in peer work.  

Mind is one of nine agencies taking part in the Lived and Living Experience Workforce Development Program which offers training and supervision, practice and organisational support, ongoing education and career pathways to current and aspiring mental health peer workers. 

Minister for Mental Health Gabrielle Williams said investing in the peer workforce will ensure that lived experience sits at the heart of Victoria’s mental health system reform. 

“A highly skilled mental health workforce with their own experience in the system means better treatment, care and support for all Victorians – and as we rebuild our mental health system, we’re expanding this workforce,” Ms Williams said. 

“Listening to the feedback of people with lived experience and then acting on those recommendations is critical in achieving better experiences and outcomes for Victorians with mental illness.” 

Mind CEO Gill Callister said Mind has a long history of delivering lived experience approaches to mental health care and is proud to be supporting the Victorian Government’s Lived and Living Experience Workforce Development Program. 

“At Mind we firmly believe in the value and expertise of those with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery to foster the recovery of others,” Ms Callister said. 

“We are committed to employing and developing peer practitioners across all service models, as well as employing staff in designated lived experience roles in other key departments. 

 “We are proud to support this initiative and we commend the Victorian government for backing the growth of the lived experience workforce.” 

Mind Learning and Development Manager May Clarke said the Peer Work Program is a unique blended learning module that combines online skill practice sessions, eLearning, one-on-one check-in support sessions and sharing of lived experience stories. 

“Mind’s Peer Work Program supports peer workers with the knowledge, skills and practice principles required for best practice in peer work,” Ms Clarke said. 

“This professional development program is designed to create a safe space for people with a lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery to increase their understanding and confidence in their role as a peer worker.” 

Expressions of interest to this program is open to organisations registered with the Victorian Government’s Lived and Living Experience Workforce Development Program. The program is expected to be launched in November. 

Learn more about Mind’s Lived Experience Strategy. 

Psychosocial supports – like the kind provided by Mind Australia – help people with mental health and wellbeing issues manage daily activities, rebuild and maintain connections, engage with education and employment, and participate fully in the community. These are supports which help people take positive steps in their recovery journey. 

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 via Mind Connect or phone: 1300 286 463.