The APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit (the Unit) in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs have launched a new capability-building eLearning program, Connections: Core capabilities for workplace peer supporters.
The Unit co-designed Connections with subject matter experts and peer supporters themselves. Connections provides workplace peer supporters with the foundational knowledge and skills they need for their role. It teaches peer supporters how to set up safe spaces that support their peers to connect, share stories and feel heard through evidence-informed learning.
“Connections supports the direct link between building the skills and capability of workplace peer supporters at the individual and team levels, and achieving an overall uplift in the peer-to-peer and relational capability of the APS workforce. This program is the first of its kind in the APS,” says Rachael McMahon, Principal Psychologist and Director of the Unit.
Improving the skills and capability of peer supporters has the potential to achieve far-reaching benefits for all APS staff.
Rachael adds, “The APS is committed to its valued peer supporter cohort. The learning outcomes in Connections support all workplace peer supporters to have access to the knowledge and skills they need to build meaningful connections with colleagues.”
The interactive eLearning program is inclusive, user-centric and accessible. It features four skills-focused modules to support individuals to improve their skills and perfect their craft.
New or experienced peer supporters can enrol in Connections today on APSLearn.
Further information
- More information about Connections is available from the APS Academy.
- Workplace peer supporters can sign up to Connections now on APSLearn.
- Agencies can contact the APSC’s APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit for further information on the Unit and to access implementation resources and a promotion pack.