MORE PEER WORKERS TO HELP MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS IN COOTAMUNDRA ELECTORATE
30 November 2017
Mental health consumers in the Cootamundra electorate will benefit from the NSW Government’s investment in around 30 new Peer Worker positions across NSW, including the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP, today announced the $2.7 million investment would reach the Cootamundra electorate, to help mental health consumers transition from hospital, back into the community.
“This funding will provide further early interventions, help mental health consumers during and after a hospital visit and see an increase in comprehensive follow-up supports,” Ms Cooke said.
Ms Cooke said Peer Workers are qualified mental health staff who themselves have personal experience with recovery from mental health issues.
“They are experts who understand and can reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, provide hope to people, and demonstrate recovery is possible.”
Further benefits Peer Workers provide to mental health consumers include;
a flexible, tailored support package for consumers for up to 6 weeks following an acute mental health admission
direct face-to-face follow up for people discharged from an acute mental health inpatient setting within seven days
a link between acute mental health services and the community, including referrals to community managed support services
a comprehensive, step-up and step-down model of care incorporating Peer Workers from existing adult community mental health services.
As a result of this funding the public peer workforce in NSW will double, from 56 in June 2016, to around 120 in 2018. Currently, 130 individuals with lived experience fill 90 full time positions.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For mental health services in the Cootamundra electorate, please contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
