Meet Avalon, Peer Cadet from Lived Experience Peer Cadet Program

Avalon, a current peer cadet, previously worked as a user experience designer for the men’s health charity, Movember. But she decided to swap their computer screen for face-to-face connections and pursue the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work.

Avalon shares her experiences as a peer cadet by thoughtfully answering a series of questions.

1. Tell us about a typical day as a peer cadet
   

   This timeline offers a glimpse into my typical day at Linwood PARC (Prevention and Recovery Care).

   10.00am – AM handover: updates from Wellways and clinical team about participants’ wellbeing and activities.
   10.30am – staff and participants engage with daily word puzzle
   11.00am – shadowing assessment with recovery workers and clinical team
   11.30am – involved in groups and focused on living skills, emotional wellbeing techniques, or art and boardgames
   12.30pm – Lunch
   1.30pm – team meeting
   2.00pm – team up with peer buddy for debriefing and planning
   3.00pm – involved in social or skills group (walking or life skills)
   4.00pm – spend time in communal spaces to do knitting, puzzles, chatting and connecting with participants
   5.00pm – PM handover: informing night staff about daily events
   6.00pm – cooking dinner with other staff and participants.

2. What were you doing prior to doing this cadetship?
   

   Previously, I was working as a user experience designer for the men’s health charity, Movember. My work was tech-heavy and involved designing digital healthcare that was accessible for all people impacted by prostate cancer. I loved getting glimpses of the real-world impact of my work but always craved more face-to-face connection with those I was working to support. I’ve worked with peer workers as a consumer and found it to be a really mutual and respectful space that helped me develop autonomy and ownership over my mental health, I’m inspired to hold that space for others as a future peer worker.

3. In what ways has Wellways supported you in your early Peer Cadet journey?
   

   The mentorship both from Wellways corporate office via the peer cadet co-ordinator and the supportive team on-site have supported me to grow and learn so much in my first few months. I’ve been made to feel so welcome, like there are no silly questions and that I have something valuable to offer.

4. How has Wellways supported you to use your lived experience at work?
   

   Having an on-site peer buddy, I’ve had the opportunity to observe the magic of peer work in real time. Having identified roles empowers staff members to connect with participants as an authentic peer with a “beside” mindset rather than a clinical or custodial role. I feel safe to share aspects of my lived experience with staff and participants where appropriate and am developing a deeper understanding of how my lived experience can benefit others in ways beyond common diagnosis.

5. In what ways does your site (PARC or Local) show they value lived experience?
   

   All workers take a person-centred approach to connecting with participants during their stay. I have observed how this approach supports people to recognise their own innate strengths and skills and take ownership of their story. PARC really walks the talk and facilitates a safe space of shared two-way learning between participants and staff on a person-to-person level. 
   

“We all have a lived experience of being human that is valued and respected at PARC.”

Explore Wellways Traineeships

If you’re considering a career in mental health, explore a Certificate IV in Mental Health or Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work and apply for a traineeship with Wellways.