As part of the Western Health Positive Workplace Framework and recognising both the commitment of our employees in supporting each other, as well recognising that sometimes we need to extend additional support to each other during challenging times, we are pleased to introduce our Western Health Peer Supporters. The Peer Support Program is an initiative where trained employees volunteer their time to provide informal and confidential support to all employees and volunteers who may be experiencing challenges.

These volunteers and the program complement other Western Health employee support services such as the Employee Assistance Program and a range of other supports. We see this as an important initiative in further supporting you, our employees; ensuring employee psychosocial safety remains a priority and Western Health is well placed to provide the best support to our people who provide best care.

Please see below for the link to our employee peer supporters and if you have any queries, please reach out to us at WHPeerSupport@wh.org.au

Anne Wright
Director, Organisational Culture and Leadership Development

Peer Support Profiles

  • Mandy Cullen

     A desire to support her team in the best way she could led Mandy Cullen to become part of Western Health’s new Peer Support Program.  

    Peer Supports are trained to offer informal and confidential support to all Western Health employees and volunteers, with a listening ear and armed with practical support.  

    “After many years as a Nursing Unit Manager, I was eager to arm myself with more knowledge of how I could be more supportive to my staff. I’m very happy that has now extended to the whole organisation. 

    “I think the real value in the Peer Support Program is the like-mindedness of the Peer Support Officers. Often we will have a deeper level of understanding because we come from the same organisation.” 

    It’s not surprising that Mandy has been described as a caring and supportive manager, her gentle and calm demeanour makes her approachable and immediately gives a sense of calm. 

    “When people reach out to me, what they’ll find is an active listener, someone who will hear what they’re saying and help navigate the situation. I will allow them the time to talk, and support them to come up with solutions or ideas to move forward. I want people to have ownership over their next steps and succeed. 

    “I’ve also done mental health first aid training, which also really comes into play here too. I am really prepared to be approached by people who may know me, and I can create a safe space for them.” 

  • Sue Haines

    Sue Haines has worked at Western Health for more than 35 years. Her experience has taken her across the health service, through various departments, meeting many people along the way. With a naturally caring nature, it is the perfect match to see Sue as part of the new Western Health Peer Support Program.  

    Peer Supports are trained to offer informal and confidential support to all Western Health employees and volunteers, with a listening ear and armed with practical support.  

    “Given the size of Western Health, Peer Support Workers play a really important role. We’re here, we’re accessible, we’re approachable. 

    “Having been at Western Health for many years, people know me, and I encourage anyone to reach out. 

    “When people call me, they can be reassured that I’ll listen, it goes from there. Maybe they need someone to just listen, maybe they wanted someone to listen and direct them to the next steps.  

    “This kind of support is something a lot of people do every day, but in a formalised way. Yes we’ve done some training, but we support each other every day across Western Health, it’s the way we do it. It’s a community, we support each other.” 

  • Eugenia Lambis

    Becoming a Peer Supporter naturally fit with Eugenia Lambis’ passion for wellbeing, inclusion and social justice.  

    As someone who has both received support from and provided support to colleagues, Eugenia understands the importance of the Peer Support Program at Western Health and the benefits it provides. Being able to support and help others , and work towards something positive, is something she feels privileged to do. 

    “We all want to feel like we belong and to be part of a community. The Peer Support Program is one piece of the puzzle to enabling that for everyone at Western Health.” 

    For anyone who reaches out to Eugenia, first and foremost they will find a great listener.   

    “I’m not there to do all the talking, or to fix or save anyone. We’ve heard the term ‘self-determination’ a lot lately – it’s a basic human right and I bring that into my work on a daily basis. It’s also how I approach being a Peer Supporter too.  

    “I’m there to acknowledge whatever is going on for the person, and hold space. I do ask questions and I’m conscious to be respectfully curious, not intrusive.” 

    Peer Supporters are trained to offer informal and confidential support to all Western Health employees and volunteers, with a listening ear and armed with practical support.  

  • Louise Livsey

    Louise Livsey’s calm and logical nature translates perfectly into the role of Peer Supporter at Western Health.   

    “Being involved in the Peer Support Program is a really great opportunity to embed myself in the organisation, to network, meet people and really feel part of something,” Louise said.   

    For Louise, being able to provide support to colleagues is a two way street.  

    “While on one hand you’re giving something, it’s also about what you get out of it too. And that’s giving energy to something meaningful.”  

    The Peer Support Program also ties in nicely with Louise’s volunteer work with the Red Cross.  

    “Volunteering is practically in my DNA, I see a real overlap of what I do outside of work, and how they will support each other. There’ll be things I learn from Western Health that I’ll be able to apply at Red Cross and vice versa,” she said.  

    Louise’s breadth of experience in emergency management, and now as an Emergency Management Officer at Western Health, lends itself to a methodical approach to support.   

    When people reach out to Louise for support, they can expect someone who will listen without judgement.   

    “I hope people find me warm and approachable. I remember very strongly the ethos of being a peer supporter is that you’re not there to counsel or give advice. You’re there as a stepping stone to direct that person to other support networks that exist inside and outside of the organisation.  

    “I think that’s good for everyone to remember, the person who needs the support and as the Peer Supporters because you have to absolutely know the buck doesn’t stop with you. You’re that first step to lead to further care and support.”