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believeinmeSenior Contributor
In response to: Anybody done peer support work?
KurraSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Anybody done peer support work?
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
I havent actually done it in a formal situation. @believeinme
I have seen the ads about the Cert 1V ... thought about it quite a lot ... but figure my life is stable the way it is and I may not be able to sustain long hours and travel due to neck ... and need a fair amount of time with my son who is still vulnerable ...so decided against it personally ... though still want to be active in the MH field.
I did home visits with Vinnies for about 7 years ... and Soup vans ...
I suspect some delightful buggers who are arrogant about their med degrees may be a tough nut to swallow .. if you do work in the field .. I actually checked a lot of forums from the States, UK and here ... and posters there complained about the issue .... and being patronised about personalising the issues ... so I decided to stay posting here ... I have too many Cert iVs anyway. Dont need another ..
BUT it may suit your particular life position better ... and it may be terrific for you... it may lead to better things ...
cheers Apple
In response to: Anybody done peer support work?
marchhareSenior Contributor
hi believeinme,
I have not done any peer support work but by you saying that the work excites you it sounds as if you are keen to do it. Hopefully some members with experience in this line of work can give you some advice..You never know what it might lead to.
In response to: Re: Anybody done peer support work?
CherryBombSenior Contributor
I believe @WombatBoots is a peer-support worker. Perhaps he might be able to provide some advice.
In response to: Anybody done peer support work?
QueenieSenior Contributor
@believeinme : I do peer support work with Richmond Fellowship. I'm most involved in their hearing voices groups and enjoy it immensely. I'm also studying a Diploma in mental health and already have a Cert IV in mental health and peer work. I'm looking for to being a team leader one day but in the meantime, really enjoy the work (albeit unpaid at the moment). I think if it is something you are passionate about, why not go for it?
Like you, I don't think I fit the classic 9-5 employability any longer. In my last position working for the government (until they deemed me unfit for work due to mental illness... may I scream discrimination?), I was simply putting in hours but not enjoying it. With this type of work, I am able to support people in their recovery journeys and that suits me just fine. In fact, I love it! 🙂
In response to: Anybody done peer support work?
KurraSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Anybody done peer support work?
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
I visited the organisation RF in the early 1990s a couple of times.
I could not cope with the carer group at the time ... not suitable for me .. as it was older mothers talking about their adult children with MI ...
no groups for siblings or spouses ... I only had littlies. ... ahead of my time ... good they have better carer models now .. but still in its infancy.
The 1-1 therapist gave me a couple of tips worth their weight in gold.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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