Overview

CPD on the go^TM eLearning activities provide an opportunity to learn about diverse topics in short, flexible sessions that you can peruse at your own pace, wherever you are.  

The most recent National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan places significant emphasis on the importance of lived experience and incorporates concrete and far-reaching plans to shift towards a more inclusive and participatory approach in mental health care and policy making. Such an approach recognises the value of the unique perspectives and insights that individuals with lived experience can bring to the development, implementation and outcomes of mental health services and reforms. To support this shift, a number of roles have been introduced for practitioners with lived experience. Unfortunately, despite widespread acknowledgement of the usefulness and effectiveness of such roles, there have been barriers to the development and implementation of a lived experience workforce.  Of particular relevance to us, are the difficulties within the mental health sector in engaging and collaborating with lived experience workers, particularly in the context of multidisciplinary teams. 

This activity explores the factors that contribute to successful employment of peer workers and organisational change in mental health and substance use recovery services. As psychologists interacting with and working within multidisciplinary teams, it is crucial that we understand approaches that will facilitate meaningful involvement and genuine reform.

This activity contains a current evidence-based article followed by 10 questions to consolidate your learning. Together, a pass mark of 80% and completion of a reflection represents active* continuing professional development (CPD).

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to this activity is for 6 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This eLearning activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality.

Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this CPD on the go^TM eLearning activity, participants should be able to: 

• outline the benefits of peer worker roles,

• summarise the reasons for resistance to the development of a peer workforce,

• identify the barriers to integrating lived experience workers in mental health services,

• explain the role of commitment in embedding peer workers, and

• recommend ideal conditions and changes necessary to authentic inclusion of peer workers.

Notes