The Lived Experience Peer Cadet Program
The Lived Experience Peer Cadet Program provides individuals with lived or living experience the chance to gain valuable part-time employment with a community mental health organisation while completing their Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work. This initiative aligns with the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, aiming to increase entry pathways into the lived and living experience workforce in Victoria.
The program offers cadets a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the field: they commit to two days of paid work placement and one day of paid study leave each week over a 10-month cadetship period. This structure allows cadets to build their knowledge, skills, and confidence in peer work within a supportive and structured environment.
What do Peer Cadets do?
While peer cadets don’t typically conduct one-on-one client sessions, they adopt a secondary or observational role alongside support workers. Peer cadets working for our PARC (Prevention and Recovery Care) programs have the opportunity to work with both clinical staff and support workers, supporting participants in their recovery. This can involve participating in groups and connecting with participants while building authentic and meaningful relationships.
How Wellways supports Peer Workers
The program doesn’t just involve working alongside support teams; it also includes dedicated support from a Peer Cadet Coordinator who guides cadets as they grow and learn.
PARC provides a safe and inclusive space that nurtures mutual learning between participants and staff, empowering individuals to identify their strengths and take ownership of their unique journeys and stories.
Meet the Peer Cadets
Avalon McWha, Mental Health Peer Cadet, Victoria
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.
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.
