How peer support workers transform mental health recovery

Navigating the journey of mental health can be made easier when someone who understands the path can walk alongside you – which is where peer support workers come in.

Peer support workers are those who have their own lived experience in mental health, and recovery. Using this experience, they can connect with others, guiding them on their mental health journey.

Unlike clinicians, peer support workers do not provide diagnoses or treatments. Instead, they facilitate a safe space for people to share experiences, navigate challenges, and build goals for their future. Their unique perspective and personal experience can foster a sense of trust and comfort for those they support.

Peer support workers work alongside clinicians to provide a holistic approach to mental health care.

According to Orygen, peer support workers can help others facing a range of mental health challenges, whether it be from:

• Encountering difficulties at work/school.
• Navigating relationships.
• Or any other part of life that affects a person’s mental health.

A clinician will help guide the individual using expert advice and strategies, while a peer support worker is a companion who offers encouragement, empathy, and understanding based on their own experience.

Peer support workers can help others face-to-face, over the phone or in an online setting.

Gill Abadines is a Peer Worker at Parramatta Medicare Mental Health Centre (Formerly Parramatta Head to Health). Gill ‘stumbled’ into peer support after their own mental health journey.

They realised the value of having someone to connect with who understood the challenges firsthand.

Now, Gill creates a space for clients to ‘take the reins’ and discuss what’s important to them. Sessions can cover a wide range, from exploring gender identity to decompressing after a difficult session with a clinician.

Gill believes their vulnerable approach to peer work provides a sense of autonomy to the client that can help them feel empowered in their own recovery.

Peer support is a growing field in mental health. According to The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the number of peer workers in the industry is steadily increasing, with an increase of 18% during the financial year of 2021-2022

As Gill highlights, working with peer support workers allows clients to regain control and navigate the mental health system.

Peer support workers offer a unique perspective that complements traditional clinical approaches.

Gill describes their work as a “symbiotic relationship.” While supporting others, they also learn and reflect on their own journey. As a peer support worker, they have gained valuable insights from clients, making their own recovery journey even more meaningful.

Peer support workers play a crucial role in mental health recovery. By offering empathy, understanding, and shared experiences, they empower individuals to navigate their challenges and build resilience.

Their unique perspective complements traditional clinical care, fostering a more holistic approach to mental health. Ready to take the next step in your mental health recovery? Contact us today to find out more.  If you would like to become a peer worker, click the link here to view all available jobs at Stride as we are focusing on growing our peer workforce.