Meet the team: Fallon Harris

In times of mental ill health, and distress it can often be hard to feel that you are being listened to and find a sense of belonging within your community. But that is where a peer support worker can help shift perspectives and assist consumers along their individual recovery journey.

With growing demand for mental health services, selectability has seen an increase in consumers wanting to work one-on-one or in group programs alongside peer workers – and with the opening of the Bowen Mental Health Hub selectability has welcomed peer worker Fallon Harris to its growing team.

Recently we caught up with Fallon to discuss her lived experience and her current peer role. She also shares the top five skills she believes are essential if you are considering working in the industry.

Born and raised in Bowen, Fallon is a proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman. She is a member of selectability’s Reconciliation Action Plan working group - supporting the implementation of the plan and helping to embed culturally safe practices across the organisation. Fallon is passionate about giving back to her community and empowering those around her.

"When I read the position description for the peer support worker I knew this role was for me," said Fallon.

Peer workers identify as having a lived experience of mental health and are comfortable using their own experience to support consumers and instil hope and empowerment.

Fallon is very open about her own lived experience and what drew her into the role.

"Personally I believe we all have an aspect of lived experience with mental illness, whether we it’s personally or indirectly with a love one.

"For me I tick both those boxes…I have lost friends to suicide and felt the pangs of worthlessness," said Fallon.

Having a diagnosis which includes symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder and high functioning anxiety, Fallon has found her passion helping others.

"I love being part of a forward thinking business like selectability and am excited to be part of the process and see consumers reach their potential through empowerment, psychosocial support and the ability to laugh.

"There is not a program I have been a part of that we haven’t had a giggle…sometimes at my expense…but every smile counts.

"I always say to our consumers, some days you walk through the door to gain support…but little do you know at the same time other consumers are walking through the door to gain YOUR support. Never forget how much of an impact you make on others."

Fallon offers these five skills as desirable to have as a peer worker…

• empathy
• positivity
• lived experience
• quick on your feet
• good sense of humour

For more information about selectability head to selectability.com.au, find out how you can study to become a peer worker at selectabilitytraining.com.au or reach out to our friendly team on 1800 133 123.