Consumer advisor training
The role of consumer advisor is a powerful one. It is a positive investment by services in continual service improvement and recovery for people experiencing mental illness. The role is very complex and can be different in each service.
Mental health and addictions consumer advisors working in DHBs and NGOs need access to training that supports them to lead and promote positive, informed sector change within their roles - this will improve services for people who experience mental illness. No specific training has been available until now.
Consumer advisor training was piloted by the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand in 2007. Based on feedback from participants, a revision of the content then informed the delivery of the consumer advisor training programme sponsored by Te Pou and delivered by Blueprint in 2008/09. Analysis and evaluation of the training is in progress and a report will be available soon.
Workshop 2008
On 20 August 2008 the first two day consumer advisor training workshop was delivered to 19 participants as part of a year long training programme.
The make up of people attending the training was diverse with 33 per cent male, 67 per cent female, and ranging in age from two who were under 20 through to 55 years in age. Most people were from the South Island (45 per cent), 22 per cent from Northern, 22 per cent Central and 11 per cent Midlands. It was exciting to see that 28 per cent came from the alcohol and other drugs sector, and the remaining 72 per cent from mental health.
Evaluation of the first workshop was positive and enthusiastic. The mix of new and more experienced consumer advisors from a variety of settings and services is proving to be stimulating and beneficial for all. There were many robust and thought provoking conversations, leading to a greater understanding of the differences and similarities between mental health and addictions.
Further information
For more information please contact Carolyn Swanson, service user workforce development manager.
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Page last updated: 25 February 2010