Understanding carer experiences in public adult mental health services using Carer Peer Support data

ABSTRACT

Objective: Descriptive data from an innovative carer lived experience led and developed Carer Peer Support (CPS) program will be presented to highlight current carer experiences in public adult clinical mental health services in Victoria, Australia, and the benefits of CPS. Method: Descriptive data regarding the frequency of themes collected over two years, including carer demographics, themes discussed, and actions supported in CPS, are presented. Results: The data reveals how CPS identifies carer needs and experiences in adult mental health services and how the program engages with clinical staff and the service to result in positive outcomes for carers and families. Discussion: The data findings are instrumental in furthering Carer Lived Experience (CLE) work, determining key priorities for CLE systemic work as well as adult mental health service development and delivery.

KEYWORDS:

• Carer peer support
• carer lived experience
• carer
• mental health
• mental health service
• carer experiences

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Carer Peer Support Workers Deb and Ana to the Carer Peer Support program, database development, and this paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).