In response to a growing shortage of mental health placements, RMIT University has launched a new initiative called Peer Connect, aimed at providing essential support and practical experience for students in the Certificate IV in Mental Health and Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work programs.
Introducing Peer Connect
Opened on October 9, Peer Connect operates as a mental health hub on campus, offering appointments and activities under the supervision of experienced staff. The initiative allows students to gain hands-on experience in triaging mental health support needs, referring individuals to various in-house services, and providing resources that promote mental health strategies through a trauma-informed and recovery-oriented framework.
While Peer Connect does not replace traditional counseling or psychology services, it functions as an intake system, facilitating student access to mental health resources. The hub will be open every Wednesday during the semester, featuring a range of student-led activities, including:
- Drop-in appointments
- ‘Walk and talks’
- Art projects
- Storytelling sessions
- Dungeons & Dragons games
Additionally, the students have developed a Peer Connect website that outlines further activities and resources designed to foster positive mental health and social connections.
Building a Foundation for Students
Program Coordinator Fiona McLean highlighted the immense pressure on the mental health sector, which often struggles to accommodate student placements. She emphasized that Peer Connect serves as a foundational experience for students before they enter formal sector placements.
“Students can undertake their initial placement hours on campus, equipping them with valuable skills and a portfolio of professional development,” McLean explained. “For those seeking mental health support, engaging with a peer can be less intimidating, and Peer Connect adds another layer of accessibility and support for students.”
Reducing Stigma and Providing Support
The unique aspect of Peer Connect lies in its design, which is informed by individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions and those in training to work in the sector. According to student peer worker Tony Avard, the initiative plays a vital role in creating a supportive environment:
“Peer work connects with students who might hesitate to engage with institutional services. It helps break down stigma by showing them they are not alone,” Avard stated. “While psychologists guide from the front, peer workers walk alongside individuals, offering support, resources, and connections to services without the pressure to ‘fix’ them.”
Addressing Workforce Challenges
The federal health department’s Mental Health Workforce – Educational Institutes Review revealed significant challenges in securing placements for mental health students, which are expected to worsen as the demand for services increases. Mish Eastman, RMIT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Vocational Education and Vice-President, stressed the importance of building a robust mental health workforce to ensure effective care for all.
“Vocational education is essential in providing future mental health professionals with the practical, hands-on experience needed to tackle real-world challenges confidently,” Eastman noted.
Future Expansion and Funding
While Peer Connect has a dedicated space at RMIT’s City campus, the initiative plans to expand its reach by hosting pop-up services at various university locations. Funded by a 2024 City North Social Innovation Precinct Activation Fund grant, Peer Connect builds on a previous pilot project involving six students, which has now scaled to accommodate up to 40 students.
This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the mental health needs of the RMIT community while simultaneously providing invaluable experience to future mental health professionals.
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