Gaining confidence to transform lives
News
People who have experienced mental health challenges are finding meaningful ways to use their skills to help others through innovative education and training provided by Centacare Catholic Community Services.
The Centacare Institute provides nationally recognised education and training in areas such as mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), homelessness and youth peer work with a focus on personal growth, confidence and connection.
As well as gaining qualifications, students use their own insights and experiences to support others and build purposeful careers that make a difference in the wider community.
Three students told The Southern Cross their time studying with Centacare Institute has trans-formed their lives, opened doors to new opportunities and strengthened their sense of purpose.
Daniel Larsen completed the Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work in 2023 and is now employed at Centacare.
“It was a life changing experience that opened a door I never thought I’d be able to re-open, re-turning to work alongside my mental health challenges,” he said.
“When I moved into an active Peer Worker role within Centacare’s Your LINC North program, I found I was equipped to draw on my lived experience to support consumers through their challenges with support and understanding from my manager and team.”
Maria Heredia, a recent graduate of the Mental Health Peer Work course, has transitioned into employment at the age of 60 after living with chronic illness.
“For a few years I have been volunteering in the mental health space, participating in consumer representative committees,” she said.
“I learnt about peer work and the courses that accredited you to do the work in a professional way, so when the opportunity of applying for a scholarship for the Certificate Course in Mental Health was available, I decided to do so.
“I retired due to ill-health and chronic illness 10 years prior, so returning to study was a big de-cision for me.”
Maria said there were several courses online from other states but she wanted to attend a course with some opportunity to meet classmates and tutors personally.
“As a non-native English speaker, attending lectures locally was really important to me,” she said.
“Centacare Institute was the only one offering precisely a certificate course for Mental Health Peer Work.
“My classmates were great, and I felt I was with other people with similar experiences.”
Having recently accepted a position in the same care centre where she completed her place-ment, Maria said she was looking forward to “helping others professionally, communicate clearly, and work as part of a supportive team”.
“It has been a challenging but rewarding journey – and I would do it all over again,” she said.
Mel Whiley, a current student, said she always knew she wanted to use her life experiences to help others but wasn’t sure how.
“Then I discovered that peer work was a recognised profession and came across the mental health peer work course,” she said.
“That moment felt like everything clicked – I realised I’d found exactly what I’d been searching for.
“My time at Centacare Institute has shown me the incredible value of lived experience and the power of sharing our stories. It’s helped me build confidence and recognise my strengths – listening deeply, showing empathy and compassion, and connecting with others through shared experiences.”
As a finalist in the Living Experience Workplace Awards, Mel said she was “honestly blown away” by the recognition which was helping her to “embrace my strengths and believe in myself”.
“It’s incredibly empowering to know that my efforts and perseverance are being seen and valued,” Mel said.
“The most rewarding part has been the connections I’ve made – with other learners, educators, and people in the field.
“Hearing others’ stories and learning from their experiences has been amazing. This journey has helped me understand how valuable lived experience is and how it’s being recognised as a vital part of recovery in mental health. Knowing I can offer that connection and hope to others is incredibly meaningful.”
Since June this year, Centacare Institute students can begin eligible courses at multiple points throughout the year, providing greater flexibility and opportunity.
To find out more, visit institute.centacare.org.au
Jump to next article
