Peer Support
Where Management and
Mental Health Intersect

Chris Smith

The State of Play• One in five (20%) aged 16-85
experience a mental illness in anyyear• 4% of people will experience a major
depressive episode in a 12 month
period• Suicide is the leading cause of deathfor males aged between 15-44• 14% will be affected by an anxiety
disorder in any 12 month period

Mental Healthproblems areegalitarian

Mental Health…
it’s notdiscerning

They don’t discriminate– status is irrelevant
Many people don’t know they havea problem– to them, this is ‘just how life is….’
But…now we’re talking(or some of us at least)

C. Smith ©

Mental Health Program• This Mental Health Program is not just about dealingwith problems• These are inseparable:o Managemento Mental Healtho Engagement• The key: must address how we relate to our staff andeach other but in a manner each group accepts

What can we doabout it…
organisationallyFundamentals – the environment• Firstly, the program isn’t ours. It’s theirs• What they want matters; not what we want
• Our aiming point should be the essentially unattainable• It has to be genuine

C. Smith ©

Fundamentals“Build it and theywill come”… thedemand isthere…
C. Smith ©

“We want to belong”

Are your staff
using current
services?
If not, why?

Re: peer
support…
Peers set up andrun the program
Other
professionals
supportMental healthissues are often
associated withphysical injuries

Operation

Approaches are mostcommonly made by
telephone
Can also be in person

Peer supporters are notcounsellors
Emphasised at induction
Intermediaries between
staff and management
Trained to listen andrespond appropriately

Provide information andassistance about
possible options for thecaller

Caller maintains controlof the conversation

Peer Support Programs• Proven• Economical• Different from Human Factors• Can bridge international boundaries• Reduced absence from work
• Cultural improvement for businesses

Structure
Peer Support
SponsorPeer Support
Coordinator
Peer Support
PersonPeer Support
PersonPeer Support
PersonRatio 5: 150

Can be a manager

SponsorCannot act as a peer supporter
Role is to liaise at managerial level

Functionality
Select from peer support ranks

Coordinator Significant organisational role
Experience in practical administration
tasks••

Mental Health
Program••••••••••

Relationships
opersonal; colleagues

odepression; anxietyoprofessional standards; training/assessment

ocareer performance

operception / actual – quantitative / qualitativeolack of; dissatisfaction

Emotional issues
Illness
Incident stress
Fear of failure
Fatigue
Grief / loss
StressSubstance abuse
Career progression
Intellectual stimulation
BelongingOrganisation
Personnel Selection
Role Description and Limitations
Training and Education
Promotion
Resources

Difficult conversations• Telephone• Face to face skills• Techniques• TrapsTraining and Education
oRole play
• Professional actors

oConfidentiality

oPSP functionality

oExperiences• Other peer supporters

oConflict managemento

Education: Mental Health Seminar and Workshop

Captain Chris Smith
Mobile | +61 418 679 170
Email | aculturalleadership@gmail.com
Podcast | Aviationale and other matters