Certificate in Peer Support Working in Mental Health

Certificate in Peer Support Working in Mental Health is a program taught at Dublin City University, Ireland. Intake: September. The program is offered in campus-based modes with full-time (1 year) options.

DCU’s Certificate in Peer Support Working in Mental Health is an undergraduate certificate for people with lived experience of mental ill health or experience supporting others with lived experience. Dublin City University says the course challenges and broadens students’ perspective on mental health and peer support, and helps them build on existing strengths. Students study Peer Support Practice, Peer Support in Mental Health, and Personal Growth and Community Engagement.

Dublin City University delivers the certificate part-time over two semesters with attendance in two-day blocks during the semester (sixteen days in total) and ten days’ online work. The course includes a placement of 19 hours a week during the year to provide practical, real-world experience. Students also use cooperative learning, reflective practice, supervision, and support structures.

On completion, Dublin City University says students are qualified to work as a peer support worker or a family peer support worker. Some students also work as peer educators or peer advocates.

Modules

• Peer Support Practice
• Peer Support in Mental Health
• Personal Growth and Community Engagement

The minimum requirements for admission in Certificate in Peer Support Working in Mental Health at Dublin City University for all applicants (Domestic or International) are:

• program specific academic requirment set by Dublin City University.
• English Language OR any other language requirments as set by Dublin City University as pre-requiste for admission in Certificate in Peer Support Working in Mental Health.

Note: Please check the university website in the link below.

Peer Support Workers will have a previous history of mental health problems and be in recovery or recovered. Family Peer Support Workers will have experience of supporting someone with mental health problems. Potential students will be interviewed prior to commencement of the programme.

• Evidence of critical thinking, literacy, communication/writing skills at level 5 NFQ. This can be in the form of formal qualifications (e.g. Leaving Certificate) or the equivalent
• Where applicants do not have formal level 5 NFQ qualifications they will be assessed through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL applicants are required to submit a cover letter affirming their intent to apply for RPL, which outlines the qualifications or experience under which they wish to be assessed for recognition of prior learning.
• All applicants are required to submit a personal statement (1000 words) detailing your experience and interest in the course. The personal statement should be unique and tailored to the programme for which you are applying.
• Prospective Students must secure a placement as a peer support worker or a family peer support worker for 19 hours a week (paid or unpaid) for the duration of the course (September - April). The placement can be in a voluntary or statutory services but there must be a placement supervisor.
• A copy of Identification

Please check detail of study units at https://www.dcu.ie/courses/undergraduate/school-nursing-psychotherapy-and-community-health/certificate-peer-support

• Peer support worker
• Family peer support worker
• Peer educators
• Peer advocates

23 fully funded scholarships are listed for Ireland. See Ireland scholarships.