New academy turns mental health experiences into career opportunities

Key points

• A new Peer Academy has opened to help young people in the Illawarra and South Coast, aged 18 to 30, build careers in mental health peer work. Run by COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN, the program mixes flexible study, mentoring, hands-on placements and nationally recognised microcredentials.
• Organisers say it offers an alternative route for people with lived experience who may struggle with conventional courses while managing their wellbeing or caring duties.
• The academy was co-designed with local young people and existing peer workers, with input from partner organisations.