PDA Mental Health Peer Support

Overview

Do you wish to achieve a nationally recognised qualification that will support personal development and career progression?

Are you currently a volunteer or employee in mental health support and awareness?

Do you want to further develop the knowledge, skills and values that are necessary to carry out the role of peer support worker?

Do you have the agreement of a sponsoring organisation who will provide the placement that will enable you to build a peer support relationship and to support that person.

Will they authenticate the portfolio of evidence you will generate through that activity?

Do you have relevant qualifications at SCQF level 6 or can demonstrate an ability to communicate at this level?

If you have answered yes to the above questions this course, developed by SQA and the Scottish Recovery Network, could be for you.

It consists of two hours a week of formal learning with additional time for personal reflection. You will also complete a placement in which you will provide regular support to a peer who is in recovery from poor mental health.

Cost

£220.00.

Entry requirements

• Applicants from one of the Recovery Colleges or similar organisations are particularly welcome to apply.
• Applicants who have completed the Peer2Peer course will be well prepared for the PDA
• Applicants should write a detailed personal statement in the online application form explaining their reasons for applying for this course, why it would be suitable for them at this time, and what they hope to achieve from it.
• Applicants should hold relevant SCQF level 6 qualifications such as a level 6 health and social care unit or course, or a level 6 in a literate subject such as communication, English or Modern Studies.
• Applicants will be selected after an interview and their completion of a written activity. Applicants without qualifications can demonstrate the skills to undertake this course through this selection process.
• Applicants will need to secure a placement with an appropriate organisation that has an active recovery programme. The organisation should be able and willing to provide real work activity for the learner and authenticate the learner’s portfolio evidence generated through that activity.

Course content

The PDA in Mental Health Peer Support consists of two units: Recovery Context and Developing Practice.

In the first unit you will learn and understand:

• The development of the recovery approach
• The concepts of empowerment and mutuality
• Peer support and its role in recovery.

In the second unit you will apply your learning to your practice as a peer support worker, this will include:

• Applying a range of theories and concepts in the peer support role.
• Developing relationships based on peer support principles.
• Understanding perspectives of the work role
• Rather than an end of unit assessment you will complete smaller more regular assessments throughout the course, and your tutor will provide guidance to support your success.
• Class groups are small and provide a supportive environment where everyone’s contribution provides an opportunity to learn and/or consolidate learning.

Careers and Further Study

Successful candidates may wish to apply for

• A peer support role in a voluntary or paid employment capacity.
• Support worker roles in the health and social care sector, or within community services.
• College courses such as HNC Counselling, HNC Social Services or HNC Healthcare Practice
• SWAP Access to Social Work, SWAP Access to Nursing or SWAP Access to Health and Paramedics courses may appeal to candidates who have been out of full time education for four years.

Skills

Confidence, communication, confidentiality, organisation and time management.

Employer and Industry Links

The North Ayrshire Wellbeing and Recovery College provided the first cohort of learners and worked closely with Ayrshire College to support them and make the course a success.