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Empowering Peer Support Workers in Mental Health Service Delivery

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Authors
Zeng, Grace
Date
2012
Type
Conference Paper

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Zeng, Grace. 2012. Empowering Peer Support Workers in Mental Health Service Delivery, in Proceedings of The 13th International Mental Health Conference: Positive Change: Investing in Mental Health, Aug 6-8 2012, pp. 40-46. Surfers Paradise, Qld: Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association.
Source Title
13th International Mental Health ConferencePOSITIVE CHANGE: Investing in Mental Health
Source Conference
The 13th International Mental Health Conference
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Abstract

Studies from the USA and Australia acknowledge the unique contribution that Peer SupportWork (PSW) makes to the mental health system and to the recovery of Persons With MentalIllnesses (PWMI) that are served within it. Given the paucity of literature in the Australiancontext, it is imperative that the challenges faced by PSWs in their role be investigated andaddressed, in order to sustain and develop the existence of peer support services inAustralia. The aim of this presentation is to: (1) Describe the challenges of PSW; (2)Describe strategies undertaken by supervisors to empower PSWs at three different levels(grassroots, local organisations and systemic); (3) Propose a way forward to ensuresustainability of PSW’s contribution to service provision.