ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Health Katy Gallagher MLA, today launched a workforce plan for careers in the ACT's community mental health sector.

A Real Career - the workforce development strategy for the Community Mental Health Sector is an Australian first, integrating 'peer workers' (those with a lived experience of mental illness or as carer of someone with a mental health concern) in a meaningful way.

"This strategy delivers an innovative solution to the need for a clear career path for community mental health workers in the ACT," the Chief Minister said.

"The workforce development strategy is a culmination of two years collaborative work to develop the ACT's mental health sector. It promotes a cohesive group of services as well as helps people share experiences and ideas to ensure a seamless service for mental health consumers and carers," the Chief Minister said.

The Mental Health Community Coalition of the ACT has produced the document with the support of the ACT Government Health Directorate and in collaboration with the mental health services sector of the ACT.

"This demonstrates what we can achieve when the Government and the community sector work together.

"I am delighted to formally launch the strategy and recognise that it will ensure the ACT's community mental health sector continues to provide a high level of care for mental health consumers in the ACT," the Chief Minister concluded.