Peer support workers at Fiona Stanley Hospital
Inpatients who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing, and their families, are supported at Fiona Stanley Hospital by our peer support workers.
Peer support workers are trained to use their lived experience to support and share their knowledge and strategies with others facing personal challenges of their own.
This service is part of the Inspire Pilot Project funded by the Mental Health Commission.
The diverse backgrounds and experiences of our peer support workers include:
- mental health
- alcohol and other drugs
- Aboriginal culture
- LGBTQIA + inclusive community
- being a carer
- family peer workers.
Peer workers are guided by a set of values, including:
- empathy
- honesty
- connectedness
- self-empowerment
- respect
- dignity.
How a peer support worker can help you
Our peer support workers are available to support you in many ways, including by:
- listening
- helping you build on your own strengths
- learning from each other
- sharing stories of wellbeing
- offering practical skills and ideas
- supporting with self-advocacy
- connecting you with ongoing community supports
- advising where you can find further resources
The role of a peer support worker may not be known to you, but they are often described as being someone who:
- understands recovery
- is non-clinical or non-medical staff
- knows information about support services
- is non-judgemental
- has time to listen and be with you.
Accessing a peer support worker
Our peer support workers can be accessed:
- if you are admitted to the Mental Health Unit
- when an inpatient is referred to the Mental Health Emergency Department Liaison Team or the Mental Health Consultation Liaison Team.
More information
Find out more about support available during your stay or return to information for patients and visitors.