The results are in: our first year, independently evaluated

We're excited to share the findings of an independent evaluation of our program. The results confirm what we hear from participants every day: that peer-led support makes a real difference.

Commissioned in April 2024 and delivered in January 2026, the evaluation was conducted by Adj Prof Colleen Doyle PhD, Ms Sandy Ward RN MEd and Dr Emily You MPH PhD. It examined our reach, outcomes, and quality of care during our first year of operation.

What the evaluation found

The results are encouraging. Among participants surveyed, 96% said NMHPA's support improved their health and wellbeing - with 71% saying it improved it a great deal. Participants showed a reduction in psychological distress from when they first accessed the service to when they were discharged. 

Beyond clinical measures, participants told us they grew in confidence, developed new skills, like boundary-setting and goal-setting, and importantly felt able to continue in their profession.

Satisfaction with the service was also very high. No participants rated any aspect of the service as unsatisfying.

Why peer support works

Participants were clear about what made our service different. Talking to a clinician who truly understands what it means to work as a nurse or midwife meant relationships formed faster, challenges were understood more quickly, and the path to recovery felt more personal.

Independence from the workplace meant people could speak freely, and continuity of care - seeing the same clinician throughout - meant they didn't have to keep retelling their story.

Looking ahead

The evaluation also made recommendations to help us grow and improve - from raising awareness, to strengthening our model of care, to expanding the service in line with what participants told us they need. We're committed to acting on these findings and continuing to evolve.

One finding stood out above all others: not enough nurses, midwives and students know we exist. Awareness of our program is still growing - and that means there are people out there who could benefit right now but don't know we are here. 

That's where you can help. If you know a nurse, midwife or student who might need support, please tell them about us. You can also help spread the word by ordering our merch or requesting a presentation for your workplace - every conversation counts.

Read a summary of the evaluation findings.