Last month, RMIT opened a new student-run mental health hub to support students and create opportunities for work placements.
The new hub, called 'Peer Connect’, will be a dedicated space on the RMIT City Campus for student-led activities to improve mental health, including drop-in appointments.
Assisted by experienced staff, the space will run as a triaging unit, referring students to other counselling and mental health services delivered by RMIT.
Peer Connect also aims to provide students completing Certificate IV in Mental Health and Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work more placement opportunities.
Program Coordinator Fiona McLean said this program creates a “strong foundation block” for the students preparing to enter placement.
“They can undertake those first 20 or so placement hours on campus before entering sector placements equipped with more skills, a portfolio of professional development, and experience and familiarity working in a recovery-oriented framework”, McLean said.
Peer Connect can provide placements for 40 students.
Compulsory placements for students have been under review as some struggle to complete them with the increased cost of living.
Paid placements have been introduced for those studying social work, teaching, and nursing.
McLean said the number of available placement positions is where the issue currently lies for Mental Health students, as the sector does not have the capacity to support placements.
The Mental Health Workforce – Educational Institutes Review released in 2023 said that the quality of placements affects the likelihood of students working in the mental health sector.
The review said that this is of “specific concern” due to the “corresponding workforce shortage”. The review said that extra support needs to be given to students with ‘Lived Experience’.
The Peer Connect program addresses this need through its peer mentoring approach.
One of the main focuses for Peer Connect peer workers is to break down the stigma about mental health by having open conversations about shared experiences.
“Unlike other services, Peer Connect is facilitated and designed by those with living or lived experience of a mental health condition, and those in training to work in the sector,” McLean said.
Peer worker Tony Avard said the work has allowed him to use his lived experience to “guide other students through the challenges of student life in real time”.
“By working in Peer Connect, I’m practicing the principles of peer work while giving back to the RMIT community and helping others navigate their further education journey,” he said.
The peer approach is helpful to both peer workers and students seeking support.
“Peer Connect provides a space for students that is stigma-busting. It's a win-win for students on both sides,” McLean said.
Peer worker Christy Esler said that Peer Connect “acts as a bridge” for students to gain support on their mental health journey.
“Peer Connect is our solution to the current placement shortages in the Mental Health Peer Work Sector. I’m excited to add to my portfolio as a Lived Experience Professional starting my career.”
Peer Connect is closed for the summer break but will reopen every Wednesday of next semester.
For drop-in times and more information on the centre, visit Peer Connect - RMIT University
If this story has raised issues for you or someone you know, consider accessing support via these services:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Headspace: 1800 650 890
In an emergency, always call 000
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