Articles

New education curriculum on the way for CPSLE workforce

The Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC) is developing a new education curriculum tailored specifically for CPSLE (consumer, peer support and lived experience) leaders, managers, allies and those wanting to start or grow their practice.

The curriculum will sit alongside MHERC's current workforce training programmes and aims to offer a pathway for peer support specialists and individuals in the lived experience workforce to advance their roles.

The development of this curriculum is inspired by the consultation work for the Collaborative Design of the Mental Health and Addictions Sector in Waitaha.

MHERC are collaborating with experienced and respected consultants within the sector to incorporate lived experience, cultural and clinical knowledge and expertise into an evidence-based co-production programme.

The curriculum is rooted in the principles of Te Tiriti and is designed to validate and celebrate the values and tasks of peer support. It emphasises the importance of connection, mutuality, understanding different worldviews and promoting self-determination.

The ultimate goal of this curriculum is to provide the sector with a high-quality education programme that is replicable, sustainable and responsive to the changing needs and the environment that it is being delivered into.

MHERC aims to create a learning environment that allows individuals in the peer support workforce to thrive and succeed in their roles.

Additionally, there is a need to awhi clinicians and managers to understand the impact they can have on the success of CPSLE roles and to have an opportunity to learn from people with lived experience.

The new curriculum is planned to be rolled out in advancing stages, with the first stage expected to be available from early 2024.

In collaboration with Te Pou, MHERC will be hosting a hui titled "CPSLE Workforce Development Te Waipounamu Hui" in Christchurch on 12 December 2023. Aimed at inspiring the workforce in Te Waipounamu and generating interest in CPSLE roles, this event will provide an opportunity to further understand and gain sector input into the development of CPSLE roles. To learn more about the hui or to register, click here.

MHERC are exciting to be developing CPSLE education and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the sector. 

- 20 October 2023