Mental Health Peer Work empowers Aaron

While working in banking and finance for eight years, with stints in retail and the printing industry, Aaron found his calling in the mental health sector while volunteering as a Peer Worker with Queensland Health’s MatchWorks,

“I decided to study and become a positive role model, make a difference in the community and share my lived experience with people to help inspire hope and recovery,” said Aaron.

His dedication and passion for peer work saw him receive a Queensland Alliance for Mental Health scholarship, allowing him to pursue the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (CHC43515).

Having experienced working as a carer, the certificate course was the perfect way for Aaron to progress his career in the growing and vital mental health sector and help connect participants with community services and resources.

His decision to study with TAFE Queensland came after encouragement from his line manager, Tricia Carter, who has supported him throughout his career-changing journey.

The course equips him with the skills to make a difference in the lives of others by being a positive role model and sharing his experiences to inspire hope and recovery to overcome mental illness.

Aaron is also using Fee-Free TAFE funding to study for his new career, which is part of the Queensland Government's Good People. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.

It aims to connect, educate, and attract the people needed to meet the state's workforce demand in existing and new industry sectors and support continued economic growth.

With approximately 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training places available in 2024, the program will support Queenslanders to skill up to meet the state's current and future workforce needs by enabling them to complete selected qualifications at no or low cost.

“The training at TAFE Queensland has been fantastic,” Aaron said. “I attend class twice a week, and the workload is manageable. The facilities at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus are first-class, and my educator, London Nguyen, is incredibly knowledgeable. It’s a privilege to be in his class.”

Aaron praises London’s approachable teaching style and commitment to his students, sharing how he’s always available to answer questions and provide constructive assessment feedback.

"London goes above and beyond to support my learning, and it’s thanks to his guidance that my skills have developed," Aaron explained.

The course has honed Aaron’s communication skills, enabling him to engage with diverse groups to gain hands-on experience in the recovery framework.

Studying on campus has provided Aaron with face-to-face learning in an adult-focused environment where respect and personal and professional growth are prioritised alongside like-minded classmates who share the same values of integrity, loyalty and courage.

“My course has prepared me to work in the industry with confidence, implementing the practical skills, theory and knowledge in an empathetic and constructive way,” he explained.

The one-on-one guidance he receives from his teacher ensures he’s supported as he gains the practical skills and knowledge to excel as a peer worker in this rewarding field.

“My teachers, the course and my classmates have formed the foundation for my success with Queensland Health,” he added, reflecting on the impact of his training.

Armed with confidence, knowledge, and skills from his studies, Aaron now works full-time as a peer worker in the inpatient unit at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane.

Every day, he implements the practical skills and theoretical knowledge his course taught him compassionately and constructively during patient interactions.

His career aspirations include becoming a team leader with Queensland Health and also returning to volunteer with MatchWorks to help more participants navigate the mental health system while inspiring hope and recovery.

For Aaron, mental health is a personal and professional priority, and he highlights the importance of a strong support network, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and setting personal goals to maintain balance and practice gratitude.

In his work, Aaron promotes open conversations about mental health, urging people to show care and respect and ask simple questions like “R U OK?” to offer support.

While he finds peer work rewarding, he acknowledges its challenges, stressing the need for resilience and the ability to handle challenging situations.

“Through this course, you’ll learn the practical skills necessary to thrive in the mental health industry and help people,” he said,

Reflecting on his journey and the impact of his education on his career, Aaron recommends anyone considering a career in this field study at TAFE Queensland. His story is a testament to the power of lived experience, education, and the difference one person can make in the mental health of others.