The Australian Government has launched a new professional association to recognise, support and grow the mental health and suicide prevention peer workforce.
The Australian Association of Peer Workers will offer peer workers professional development and support across training, standards and opportunities for career progression.
The government committed $4.3 million to set up the association, which will be established by the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance (alliance) and supported by Mental Health Carers Australia and the Indigenous Australians Lived Experience Centre (IALEC).
The association will work in partnership with Community Mental Health Australia, Gayaa Dhuwi, Roses in the Ocean, Mental Health Australia and other key sector stakeholders.
Invitations for membership to the association will be issued in coming months.
Peer workers use their lived experience of mental health challenges and suicide to support individuals, families, carers and kin through services across Australia. Many also bring their lived experience to roles supporting education and training, policy development and leadership.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“Peer support workers play a vital part in the care and recovery of people with mental health challenges.
“Hearing from those with lived experience is incredibly important to strengthening our mental health system.
“The new association will help us to better understand, support and promote peer workers as a valued part of the mental health and suicide prevention system – and help them use their skills to support others to reach their full potential and thrive.”
Quotes attributable to Priscilla Brice, CEO of the National Mental Health Consumer Alliance:
“As a 100% peer-run organisation, the alliance is proud to facilitate the establishment of this new association in partnership with IALEC and Mental Health Carers Australia.
“This must be built carefully, collaboratively and with integrity so that peer workers themselves shape the foundations of their national professional organisation.”
Quotes attributable to Professor Robert Bland AM, Chair of Mental Health Carers Australia:
“Mental Health Carers Australia is looking forward to working in partnership with the alliance and IALEC to support the establishment of the new association.
“The association will provide an opportunity for the family and carer peer workforce to help shape the future of their profession, including training and career pathways”.
Quotes attributable to Vicki McKenna, CEO of Indigenous Australian Lived Experience Centre:
“As the three national peak bodies, we’re committed to building a strong and enduring partnership, one grounded in respect, equal standing, and a shared voice that drives meaningful change.”