2009 Consumer Advisor Training Programme graduation
The inaugural graduation
The Blueprint Consumer Advisor Training Programme, funded by Te Pou ,is designed to meet the needs of people working in consumer advisory roles within both non-government and district health board mental health and addictions services.
On April 17 2009 eighteen consumer advisors graduated from the inaugural programme. The graduates came from all over New Zealand and represented various district health boards and non-government organisations in the mental health, addictions and workforce development sectors. Of the 18 graduates a number also recieved special awards.
What did the graduates have to say?
Highlights for participants included cross sector collaboration and networking opportunities, as well as personal and professional development.
Networking
"What I learned is that mental health and AOD consumer advisors do essentially the same work. Through the Blueprint training we have been able to band together, which is only strengthening to our cause. I now have connections throughout New Zealand."
“Now I have access to others who have walked the same path at my fingertips. If I want to know about an issue concerning our service users and how others have worked with it in a different region, like smoke free, I need only pick up the phone, or send an email. The sharing of information has been an integral part of the training.”
“I found it good meeting other consumer advisors from both sectors, especially another youth consumer advisor. Having a good mix of people from different backgrounds and having different views on things certainly made the course interesting and made you look at things from many point of view."
Personal and professional development
“Having only been in my role some what briefly when I started the course I believe some of the potential mistakes one could make in this role (wanting to help everyone and wanting it now!!) were somewhat averted."
“Through learning about the importance of reflective practice, and learning how to do it , I have incorporated it into my everyday work and feel all the more effective for it.”
“The main thing the course taught me was I am not different! I am unique! I have a lot more confidence and understanding of addiction."
“This course upped my confidence and made me believe in the ongoing importance of the consumer advisor role. Thanks."
Special thanks to the Mental Health Commission who provided scholarships which allowed that allowed more learners from the South Island to attend.
Last updated 12:55:14 pm Wednesday 24 March, 2010