Back … this time with keys: the perspective of a peer support worker embedding peer support in a hospital setting
| Published date | 02 November 2015 |
| Date | 02 November 2015 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-04-2015-0018 |
| Pages | 294-303 |
| Author | Nicole Margaret Nannen |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Mental health education |
Back …this time with keys: the
perspective of a peer support worker
embedding peer support in a
hospital setting
Nicole Margaret Nannen
Nicole Margaret Nannen is Peer
Support Worker in Australia.
Abstract
Purpose –Peer support workers are becoming more involved in mental health services in Australia. Peer
support workers have had to overcome challenges and dilemmas whilst embedding their role within mental
health settings. This includes coping with scrutiny from fellow colleagues, supporting consumers and
managing their own mental health. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper will explore the author’s perspective and experience of
working as a peer support worker in a psychiatric hospital and how the skills, knowledge and values she has
developed during her recovery from mental illness have been essential in undertaking the daily activities with
consumers and clinicians, overcoming the challenges and dilemmas, and managing her own wellness.
Findings –The paper provides insight into the experience of a peer support worker at a psychiatric hospital
for adults.
Originality/value –The author’s personal experience of being a peer support worker in a mental health
facility.
Keywords Mental illness, Mental health, Recovery, Peer support, Personal values, Lived experience
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
The Mental Health Peer Support workforce in Australia is continually expanding as mental health
services’interest heighten and the breadth of research and literature indicating the effectiveness
of peer support is emerging. People with lived experience of mental distress and recovery
are now formally recognised and employed as peer support workers by government and
non-government mental health organisations. The benefits of employing peer support workers
within mental health services are vast, for both consumers of services and clinicians employed by
the service. “The employment of peer workers can be seen as a key component of transforming
mental healthservices towards a recovery orientation. Thereis a widespread national commitment
that reflects the recognition of the alignment between peer workforce development and the
successful transition towards a recovery orientation, and to improved outcomes for people
accessing mental health services”(Health Workforce Australia, 2014a, p. 6). A recent literature
review concluded that implementing peer support roles within service delivery can increase
engagement with people using services; reduction in hospitalisations; and reduced workload on
mental health clinicians (Health Workforce Australia, 2014a). Peer support workers come with a
unique perspective of mental distress and recovery and are an additional valuable source of
Received 23 April 2015
Revised 6 July 2015
Accepted 6 July 2015
PAGE294
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THE JOURNAL OF MENTALHEALTH TRAINING, EDUCATION AND PRACTICE
j
VOL. 10 NO. 5 2015, pp.294-303, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1755-6228 DOI 10.1108/JMHTEP-04-2015-0018
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