The Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH) is delighted to be part of a federally-funded program to increase the number of Mental Health Peer Workers.

Peer Workers are a rapidly growing part of the community mental health workforce, using their own Lived Experience to provide support to people experiencing mental ill-health.

The Peer Work Scholarships aim to support people with Lived Experience to study the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work, which is currently the primary qualification required to gain employment as a Peer Worker.

Successful scholarship applicants will receive up to $4000 towards course fees, up to $1000 for assistance with attendance and other study costs, and have access to Peer Worker Mentoring.

“The scholarship package not only assists with the financial barriers, but also provides additional mentoring to enhance the study journey for students, where they can connect with peers and reflect on their studies,” QAMH CEO Jennifer Black said.

“At a time when the community mental health sector is experiencing dire workforce shortages, this initiative is a very welcome start to improving the situation.”

For eligibility criteria and information on applying, visit https://www.qamh.org.au/scholarships

QAMH hopes its current focus on a Workforce Strategy for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector, funded by the Queensland Department of Health, will deliver more ideas and initiatives to boost study options, recruitment and staff retention.

 

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The Peer Work Scholarships Program is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, commissioned by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and administered in Queensland by the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health.

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Media contact:
Emma Griffiths
QAMH Director – Advocacy and Communications
Queensland Alliance for Mental Health
M: 0439 971 080
E: egriffiths@qamh.org.au