Lived Experience Forum

[Silverflamze]

Hello ,

I phoned lifeline and was in the day , I was fortunate enough to get a console in about 5 min . The lady that helped me was excellent. I too have phoned once before and didn't feel comfortable back then to talk .
I am suprised to hear so many of lifeline services being cut , and so when I read your post ideaslady about an online help line using video recording and group connections .to help people suffering, I think is a great idea and wanted to just note that there is now training for a certificate in peer support for mental health . This certificate is design for people with lived experience and apparently there will be positions opening soon to do peer work .
The principle behind peer work is to support Someone along a mental health recovery and peer work recognises that recovery is possible .
I would be interested in seeing a bigger online help systems for mental health , as I have to agree that a lot people can type and feel safe when not in person discussing the pain .
All the best to everyone and stay connected over Christmas

[Queenie]

Hi @Silverflamze and welcome to the boards (I noticed you are a new user). Thanks for putting the Certificate IV in mental health peer support idea out there. I think with the way mental health services will be delivered in the future, lived experience will be something much sought after and will be in conjunction with the clinical models of recovery. I was lucky enough to undertake and complete the peer support modules as part of my education and found them extremely worthwhile. When I was first diagnosed and the ideas surrounding peer support were first brought to light, I was determined to become a peer support worker. While this dream of mine is certainly achievable and relevant (I have lived experience in spades lol), my dream has changed somewhat. 

I now aim to become a social worker with lived experience of mental health issues. I really want to specialize in early psychosis or youth mental health (whichever I can gain employment in really post Uni). 

Are you looking at studying the peer support Certificate yourself at all?

[Silverflamze]

Hello @Queenie , Thank you very much for welcoming me. It is great to hear you studied the peer support modules .
Yes I too think it's of good relevance that a person with lived experience could make such an impact on others in their recovery . I personally also found by studying the modules that it is giving me more perspective of what's available for someone and their carer regarding mental well being .
I wish you all the best with doing support work and specialising in early psychosis and youth mental health . The more people that are dignified with being an expert due to lived experience is a great move towards aaaisting others in recovery .
Much respect to you