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Mind Australia Peer Worker Michael Boyd says increasing investment in the lived and living experience workforce is needed to improve Victoria’s mental health system.

Michael and other Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) representatives presented to Victorian Parliament this month on behalf of the lived and living experience workforce, advocating for change to provide the support and longevity the lived experience workforce needs. 

Michael, who has a lived experience of mental health challenges, says the presentation was an opportunity to increase awareness of the lived and living experience mental health workforce, the important work that they do and the positive outcomes they provide for people experiencing mental health challenges.

“The value of lived experience support is through good communication and connection – you tend to find mutual experiences that help you develop a meaningful relationship with someone accessing support,” he said.

“It’s also easier to generate trust with someone as a lived experience worker because they don’t see you as part of the service or the mental health system that has failed them in the past.”

The group of lived and living experience workers discussed with the 28 attending Members of Parliament the challenges faced by the workforce in the mental health sector. These include low wages, limited growth and career prospects, and lack of learning and development opportunities.

Michael demonstrated the value of peer support from his personal experience working in Mind’s Early Intervention Psychosocial Support Response (EIPSR) program in Albury-Wodonga.

Peer workers have the ability to walk alongside participants on their recovery journey…
- Michael Boyd

“A lot of the area mental health facilities are struggling to find staff case managers and social workers, and when they do find suitable staff, those roles are often short-term contractors, so case managers aren’t able to build meaningful relationships with service users or they can’t be referred on for on-going support,” Michael explained.

“The EIPSR (Early Intervention Psychosocial Support Response) program is a positive example of how peer support can change lives. It’s a tiered program, so the level of support varies depending on your needs and it doesn’t create an overall dependency on the support worker.

“I’ve worked with 30 to 40 people through the EIPSR program – some people I’ve supported on to the NDIS, others I’ve connected with community-based supports and others I’ve helped get jobs. The program has achieved a range of positive outcomes that has helped ease the number of readmissions and reduce pressure on the mental health system.

“Peer workers have the ability to walk alongside participants on their recovery journey, and help them feel empowered by their actions and achievements. Feeling a sense of connection to community is so important, and confidence can help offset the pain of stigma and discrimination.”

Michael said he hoped MPs have increased their understanding of the role of peer work in the mental health system as a result of the discussion, and he looked forward to the issues affecting the lived and living experience workforce being discussed in parliament soon.

Pictured above: Mind Peer Worker Michael Boyd (first from left) with other Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) representatives at Victorian Parliament.

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If this article raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
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