Peer support workers to strengthen Midwest mental health services

The Midwest will soon welcome a group of peer support workers to its Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug service, boosting support for patients and carers.

The innovative peer support workforce model will see WA Country Health Service employ support workers with first-hand experience of mental illness to work alongside clinicians.

Midwest Acting Regional Director Ron Wynn said the workers' ability to connect and build rapport with patients will help reduce hospitalisations and increase positive patient outcomes.

"Peer workers are complementary to existing teams, enhancing services through the effective contribution of their personal lived experience of mental health issues as well as their skills as support workers," he said.

"By sharing their experiences either with mental illness or having to care for someone with mental illness, staff are able to form a connection with patients that lead to improved health outcomes.

"They are able to provide the social, emotional and practical supports which encourage patients' self-directed recovery and give them the confidence to make personal and social changes in their lives.

"The service also provides a comforting and culturally safe environment that further enhances the social and emotional wellbeing of patients and carers."

WA Country Health Service has seen significant benefits to both patients and staff delivering this model of care in the South West, Great Southern and Kimberley.