Upcoming opportunities for peer participation

The Peer Participation in Mental Health Services (PPIMS) network was established in April 2016 as an avenue for similar minded consumers and carers to engage in mental health system reform and advocacy. The PPIMS network now consists of over 300 members.

Since the pandemic, the PPIMS network has adopted the combined approach of both face-to-face and online meeting formats.

Provided on a no cost basis, PPIMS network members have a range of opportunities from March to June 2021 to engage in training and capacity building activities such as:

• Digital peer support online certification – 4 March
• Certificate in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health first aid – 15-16 March
• Dialogue masterclass sessions - 11 March, 29 April, monthly date TBC
• Delivering a lived experience story to audiences – 15-16 April and 17-18 May
• Participating in a community of practice – the last Wednesday of the month.

The Digital peer support online certification is designed to promote rapid uptake of digital peer support and to address the needs of the current COVID-19 crisis. This certification does not assess a person’s ability to use technology such as zoom, but rather incorporates the latest scientific evidence of digital peer support.

The Certificate in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health first aid provided by Deon Bird, teaches students the skills to assist Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders who may be experiencing mental health challenges.

The Dialogue masterclass, provided digitally via webinar, will present a number of key speakers in the mental health space discussing emerging issues.

PPIMS network members will have two opportunities to attend Brook RED’s training on Delivering a lived experience story to audiences. This workshop will run in both April and May, over two consecutive days.

The Community of Practice group, facilitated by Simon Clough from Brook RED and coordinated by the PHN, provides peer support to those who are peer workers and is run on the last Wednesday of the month.

For more information or to get involved with the PPIMS network email ppims@brisbanenorthphn.org.au.