Matt Doocey Launches $1M Peer Workforce Fund to Expand Mental Health Support

“The peer support workforce is crucial in delivering and enhancing mental health services. They are quicker to train and play an integral role in our overall mental health and addiction services,” Mr. Doocey stated.

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced that contracts for the $1 million peer workforce fund are finalized and training for Peer Support Specialists has commenced, marking a significant advancement in the growth of the peer support workforce.

“The peer support workforce is crucial in delivering and enhancing mental health services. They are quicker to train and play an integral role in our overall mental health and addiction services,” Mr. Doocey stated. “While this initiative won’t solve all issues, it is vital to implement targeted measures to bolster support for vulnerable Kiwis.”

The peer workforce fund will support training through contracts with Whitirea and Careerforce, offering two models: a 12-month Polytech-based training program and a workplace-based training model. The goal is to increase the number of trained Peer Support Specialists significantly.

“This initiative exemplifies our efforts to expand the mental health workforce,” Mr. Doocey added. “The first cohort of ten students is already undergoing training, with a target to grow this number to over one hundred by the end of the program’s first year.”

The fund will facilitate the Level 4 NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Peer Support) training. Trainees will work in various settings, including community mental health support, respite care, and Emergency Departments.

“This fund aligns with the Government’s priorities to enhance access to mental health and addiction support, expand the mental health workforce, emphasize prevention and early intervention, and improve the overall effectiveness of support services,” Mr. Doocey concluded.