# Discussion Paper

## Purpose

### To identify the role of Primary Health Networks in the development, commissioning and support of the peer workforce

## Author

Tim Heffernan, Mental Health Peer Coordinator, South Eastern NSW PHN. Deputy Commissioner. MHCNSW. Consumer Co-Chair National Mental Health Peer Workforce Development Guidelines

## Summary

### The National Mental Health Strategy and the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Plan

- • National Peer Workforce Guidelines need to be developed and implemented • National Peer Workforce Guidelines need to be developed and implemented th as an action of the 5 Plan. (in progress)
- • attempts to develop a framework and/or guidelines have not been completed. • attempts to develop a framework and/or guidelines have not been completed.
- • Peer workforce is essential to the attainment of all eight priority areas of The Fifth Plan . • Peer workforce is essential to the attainment of all eight priority areas of The Fifth Plan .
- • Health Networks have been tasked with growing the peer workforce through more • Health Networks have been tasked with growing the peer workforce through more flexible funding arrangements.

### State and CMO Frameworks

- • based and CMO Peer Workforce Framework and Guideline development has occurred • based and CMO Peer Workforce Framework and Guideline development has occurred and needs to be coordinated under a National set of guidelines.

### Implications for Primary Health Networks

- • Peer Workforce is an essential workforce to support all aspects of stepped care, but its • Peer Workforce is an essential workforce to support all aspects of stepped care, but its development in the primary health sector is uncoordinated without any national implementation plan or guidelines.
- • are well placed to provide the structure need to support the development of National • are well placed to provide the structure need to support the development of National Peer Workforce Guideline.
- • are well placed to support and develop Peer Work Networks that meet regularly and • are well placed to support and develop Peer Work Networks that meet regularly and include peer workers from all services - state/territory, NGO, Commissioned and NDIS sole traders. Peer worker meet in South Eastern NSW for mutual support, co-reflection, professional development and building community capacity and connection.
- • draft PHN Primary Mental Health Care Flexible Funding Pool Implementation Guidance, • draft PHN Primary Mental Health Care Flexible Funding Pool Implementation Guidance, Peer Workforce Role in Mental Health and Suicide Prevention needs to be strengthened to include a central PHN role in the development of peer workforce guidelines.

### National Mental Health Commission and a National Professional Association for Peer Workers

- • National Mental Health Commission has funded national consultations to support the • National Mental Health Commission has funded national consultations to support the development of a National Professional Association for the Peer Workforce.
- • National Peer Workforce Guidelines compliment a National Professional Association for • National Peer Workforce Guidelines compliment a National Professional Association for the Peer Workforce which could oversee the implementation of the Guidelines.

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