Christopher Keepkie
Research Details
Thesis Name
The Experience of Consumers, Peer Support Workers (PSWs) and Mental Health Support Workers (MHSWs) in Australian Mental Health RecoveryThesis Abstract
Mental health Recovery is enshrined in Australian policy and central to mental health service provision in many Western countries. The predominant CHIME model means Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment for people experiencing mental health issues. The thesis will explore the experience of consumers, PSWs and MHSWs in relation to facilitating the consumer Recovery journey. Critical Social Theory and an Intersectional lens will be used to interpret the In-depth Interview data.
Why My Research is Important/Impacts
Some post-modern approaches highlight the subjective and co-constructed nature of reality, including the importance of the individual’s story, giving voice to that story, and the need for the person’s story to be heard for the legitimation of their experiences within dominant social systems and frameworks of understanding. The research project will ensure PSWs, MHSWs and consumers will have a voice in Recovery processes that are now central to mental health services in Australia. Providing a voice for PSWs, MHSWs and consumers in mental health Recovery will enable improvements to mental health services, including those provided by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and will also improve the allocation of funding to best meet the tailor-made specific psycho-social needs of consumers.
