The case for a strong mental health peer workforce.

The Canberra Times published a story on 1 January 2019 which said that:

Some suicidal patients felt worse after being admitted to Canberra and Calvary hospitals, often due to a lack of emotional support…

The Health Care Consumers Association and the ACT Mental Health Consumer Network have been speaking out on these issues. This demonstrates the value of an articulate consumer voice and the need to properly resource these vital entities.

These stories keep on being told. Nothing seems to change.

We have had a big year in Canberra in terms of expenditure on the top echelons of the mental health system but it is difficult to discern similar expenditure at the level of service provision.

One thing that could make a decided difference to consumers’ experience of the system would be the implementation of a well-staffed peer network. There seems to be only a small number of consumer and carer consultants in acute hospital settings but this could be changed. Dare I say it is ripe for overhauling.

There is too much uncritical acceptance of what experts think in the ACT health system. A lot would be gained from listening to consumers and having a flourishing peer work service.

Peer workers could talk with people in the waiting rooms at emergency departments and provide great safety and support for those languishing with long waiting times. Peer workers can provide comfort and insight for people who are in a critical state of need.

Red Flag strongly argues that the time is ripe for the development of a strong peer service that also works in community settings, as well as, acute hospital settings. Canberra has severely lagged behind other jurisdictions such as NSW, Queensland, WA and Victoria who appear to have a stronger commitment to, and implementation of, a peer workforce in a range of settings.

We need many more mental health peer workers in the ACT. The time for change is now.

Do you see a role for more peer workers in the ACT?