The latest cohort of Victoria’s Peer Cadet Program are set to begin their careers in the sector, growing the lived and living experience mental health workforce in Victoria.
Peer workers are trained to use their lived or living experience of mental distress and recovery to support others who are going through similar experiences.
The program provides important learning and employment opportunities to help participants develop knowledge, skills and confidence in a structured and supported environment while receiving supervision, training and reflective practice opportunities that are discipline specific.
Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said lived experience goes a long way in providing quality care.
“We know there is a critical demand in our workforce for people with their own lived experience – this program is helping people get the skills and qualifications they need to help address that demand,” she said.
“This year’s graduates are about to begin working in community mental health services, bringing the care and skill that can have a profound effect on the lives of Victorians who need it most.”
The Peer Cadet Program commenced in 2022 with a $1.3 million investment across six mental health community support services: Neami National, Mind Australia, EACH, Uniting Victoria Tasmania, cohealth and Wellways.
The Peer Cadet Program responds to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health recommendation to increase the number of entry points into the lived and living experience workforce and provide a supportive and structured environment for learning.
Applications are now open for the 2024-2025 intake of Victoria’s Peer Cadet Program: health.vic.gov.au/lived-experience-workforce-initiatives/lived-experience-peer-cadet-program
