Growing our peer support workforce

Growing our peer support workforce

The value that people with lived experience of mental illness can offer an individual in their recovery journey can’t be under-estimated, that’s why selectability employs peer workers to support the delivery of key programs and services. 

Peer workers have unique knowledge, abilities and attributes drawing on their own experiences with mental illness and recovery to support others.

They “get it” because they have been there and can authentically relate to consumers and provide a sense of hope.

Recently we caught up with senior peer support worker Rebecca Perkins, from selectability Mackay to discuss her role – she also shares the top five attributes she believes are required if you are considering this line of work.

Joining selectability Mackay back in November 2020, Rebecca said she had a passion for assisting those in her local community.

“Although I have been only working in the sector for a couple of years, it has been a passion of mine for a while and is what led me to completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science,” said Rebecca

“I wanted to start using the knowledge, skills and abilities I gained through lived experience, along with my degree.”

The role of senior peer worker is varied and as Rebecca shares “each day is different”.

“I get to work in both one-on-one and group settings while supporting our consumers with a huge range of needs. A big focus of this role is capacity-building and we do this through life skills groups, psychoeducation, community engagement and resilience building.”

For those of you still wondering what the role involves, Rebecca explains further that a “typical day consists of some data entry, group setup and management, one-to-one supports, administration and planning/preparation.

"Peer support work can be challenging but each day presents opportunities to help others and this can be very rewarding.

“If you are thinking about becoming a peer support worker, make sure you are coming in with an open mind free of judgement, ready to assist whoever walks through the door.”

Rebecca believe the following attributes have helped her in her role:

• empathy
• excellent communication skills
• positivity
• problem solving
• adaptability