The Peer Cadet program kicked off in 2021 and continues today. It increases the number of entry points into the lived/living experience workforce (LLEW) and provide a supportive and structured environment for learning. It provides opportunity for people with lived/living experience to enter paid employment at Wellways while undertaking Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work.

Peer Cadets develop knowledge, skills, and confidence in a structured and supported environment. Throughout their employment cadets receive supervision, training, and reflective practice opportunities that are discipline specific.

ALL consumer peer and carer peer cadets from the first 2021-22 intake transitioned into permanent employment at Wellways. It doesn't get better than that!

Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Services support the mental health and wellbeing of Victorian communities, providing a convenient access point for support. By 2026 there will be 50 Local Services throughout the state.

Local Services are the front door to mental health and wellbeing support, providing free treatment, care and support for people who are experiencing mental health concerns, including people experiencing mental health and substance use concerns at the same time.

Who are the Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals for?

• Anyone aged 26 years of age or older.
• Anyone experiencing distress, mental health wellbeing or alcohol and other drug concerns.
• Anyone who needs more support than they can get from their usual doctor but do not need hospital services.

“Providing community-led, community-delivered mental health support through a holistic and individual approach is central to our [Wellways] identity and purpose.” Laura Collister (2023).

Wellways Australia provides Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Services in the following locations in collaboration with our partners.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centres provide a non-clinical, warm and welcoming space that is easily accessible and freely available to families, carers and supporters of all ages, with no need for a referral. Led by people with lived experience of supporting someone with mental health challenges, they will provide information, networks, resources and access to hardship funds.

Wellways proudly delivers the Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect centre in Gippsland in partnership with Satellite Foundation, as well as the Connect Centre in South-Western Victoria with Satellite Foundation and Bethany. More information can be found at: https://www.wellways.org/our-services/family-and-carer-led-centres

The Earn and Learn trainee program creates a supportive pathway to employment in the mental health sector while people are undertaking a Certificate IV in Mental Health. Wellways are delivering 12 of 50 available traineeships, plus one coordinator role, by created unique career opportunities in the Prevention and Recovery Care program (PARC) while they complete their studies.

https://www.wellways.org/wellways-news/media-release/wellways-awarded-12-brand-new-earn-and-learn-traineeship-positions

QHub provides mental health and wellbeing services tailored specifically for LGBTIQA+ young people, allowing them to access welcoming and inclusive support when they need it, close to home. Drummond Street Services is leading the partnership with Cafs (Child and Family Services Ballarat) and Wellways to deliver this exciting project, with two physical spaces in Geelong and Ballarat, along with outreach services for young people on the Surf Coast.