Peer support workers let you know you're not alone

14 Dec 2022

Jacob West knows what it’s like to struggle with mental health and he’s on a mission to support others on their journey. 

He’s one of a number of Peer Support Workers at Midland Head to Health who use their own experience to help others, drawing on the value of lived experience to make members of the public feel comfortable when they first reach out.

“Being a peer support worker means I use my own experiences to help others who might be going through similar things,” says Jacob.

Jacob says people can feel really overwhelmed coming into a centre like Midland Head to Health to access support, so it can be helpful to meet and chat with someone who knows a bit about what you’re going through with your mental health.

“I help people feel welcome when they first arrive, greet them, make them a cuppa, have a sit down and a chat if they want to; my job is really about helping people feel comfortable and making sure they get what they need,” says Jacob.

“Quite often when people are struggling, navigating through life can become more challenging, so I can help people break down the daily tasks that seem overwhelming to make it a little bit easier to get through day to day.”

Jacob says offering people that avenue to express what they’ve been going through and validating their current experience creates a safe space where people can be themselves.

“I really want to help others with what I’ve learned from my own experiences. Knowing that there are other people out there who have been through similar things can really help people see a way forward when they’re struggling,” he says.

“To be able to provide for free through Midland Head to Health is really rewarding. Anyone can walk in without an appointment and get help with whatever it is they’re going through.”

If you are in Perth’s north or east, Midland Head to Health is open every day from 10.00am to 8.00pm, including public holidays, and supports adults with mild to moderate mental health concerns, including distress and anxiety. No appointment is necessary and services are provided at no cost.

More at sjog.org.au/midlandheadtohealth or call 1800 595 212.

Elsewhere in Australia, if you need support at any time over the holiday period (24hrs/seven days a week):
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800