The formal training of mental health peer workers in Flanders: a practical example (5) (Linked to 1; 2, 3, 4)

Introduction Peer workers are an emerging workforce in the mental health system in Flanders. Formal training and education for peer workers in Belgium is still in its infancy. The position of peer worker has not yet been formally recognized and services struggle to clarify what the role is of a peer worker or ought to be. The aims of launching a 30 day pilot certificate program were: 1) to assist and coach a diverse group of applicant peer workers to acquire basic skills and competences to become a mental health peer worker; 2) to encourage traditional mental health care partners to acknowledge the (lived) experience of former service users. Methods In partnership with former service users and representatives of a wide network of mental health partners, a training program was developed and executed to support the personal development of the applicant peer workers. A steering group of representatives of the involved partners was established and authorised to monitor the application procedure, the individual learning process, program delivery and implementation of peer worker roles in the workforce. Results Twenty-five peer workers were trained successfully in the last two years. They expressed their appreciation for how the training was delivered. New opportunities for shared learning in a diversity of settings were created, and partners discovered the potential value of what peer workers can contribute to their organisations. Discussion The programme development was an inspiring journey for everyone involved. Overall the program significantly facilitated the integration of peer workers in traditional mental health care settings. In order to sustain the reached objectives, attention should be given to support the ongoing training of the peer workers who became certified.status: accepte