Meet 31-year-old Robert McElroy, who is making his mark in the field of mental health support. After studying a Diploma of Mental Health at TAFE NSW Macquarie Fields, the St Andrews resident now works as a peer support worker at Neami National.
“I studied a Bachelor of Medical Research after high school, and then worked in community engagement, but have always wanted to draw on my own experiences with mental health to help others,’’ Mr McElroy said.
“I decided to enrol in the TAFE NSW Diploma of Mental Health and haven’t looked back since.
“The diploma has given me the tools and knowledge I need to make a real difference in the lives of those who need support.
“Juggling work and study wasn’t always easy, but my teachers were so supportive and all of the skills I learnt have been perfectly transferable and applicable to my current role.
“Working as a peer support worker, I’ve found the biggest part of the role is having that lived experience.
“Having been in their shoes and being able to speak from experience helps me build trust and rapport with my clients.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to inspire hope and help others on their journey to recovery each day.”
As demand for mental health support grows, TAFE NSW is helping plug the skills gap by empowering students with lived experience of mental health to become peer support workers.
Peer support workers are currently in huge demand across Australia and are increasingly being incorporated into the mental health workforce, making up 14 percent of the workforce, compared to 11.3 percent in 2019.
