An important member of a mental health team is the peer support worker – someone with lived experience of mental health challenges. Youth Peer Support Workers often serve as a valuable link between young people living with mental illness and the clinical team. While they are not clinicians, therapists, or friends, they work in a purposeful, meaningful and safe way to share, when appropriate, parts of their own recovery journey to inspire strength and hope.
Lifebuoy Video collaborated with Alfred Health and Headspace to produce educational documentaries that shine a light on the role of Youth Peer Support Workers. In developing these resources we explored the core elements of the peer support worker’s role within a multidisciplinary team and how they can influence decision-making and treatment for young people experiencing mental health challenges.
The value and contribution of Youth Peer Support Workers is vital. In many cases, they provide a crucial bridge between the young person and everyone involved in their care.
