With RU OK Day taking place this week (September 8), TAFE NSW has reiterated its vital role in training the new members for the mental health support workforce, with a new study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) finding 15 per cent of Australians experience high or very high levels of psychological distress.
TAFE NSW offers nationally recognised qualifications in mental health work, including Diplomas of Counselling and Mental Health, and Certificates IV in Mental Health and Mental Health Peer Work.
Short courses include the TAFE Statement in Accidental Counselling, a practical training workshop which teaches basic counselling skills to those who find themselves in a ‘counselling role by accident’, supporting someone in their life who may be distressed, agitated or in crisis.
“The ABS findings may be confronting, but these numbers are exactly why TAFE NSW has such an important role to provide practical mental health training and support our communities,” TAFE NSW Head Teacher Community Services, Kate Johnson, said.
“Through a range of industry-led training options, we’re addressing the increasing demand for qualified mental health workers and providing a vital pipeline of future professionals to the field.”
One successful graduate is Jodie Freeman of Lake Haven, who studied the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work at TAFE NSW Hamilton, subsidised under JobTrainer.
She now works as a Support Coordinator and Recovery Coach at Coast & Country Primary Care, Erina, with her studies teaching her to support people in a real work environment with units covering recovery and trauma-informed care, diversity, self-advocacy, and working with impacted families.
“I am autistic and live with Borderline Personality Disorder and have been working in mental health support for several years as an Aboriginal Art Therapist,” Freeman said.
“I chose to study with TAFE NSW to expand on my existing knowledge and learn new peer support skills.
“This course was the right pathway for me as there were clear goals and the teachers had the knowledge and experience to bring a sense of security to what I was learning.
“The practical training I received from TAFE NSW allows me to be the very best I can be to support my clients during the most challenging times of their lives.”
To find out more about the range of courses in mental health support at TAFE NSW visit tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.
Source:
Media release, Sep 1
TAFE NSW