UNSW & NSW TAFE workplacment
Student Placement Program
Training the Next Generation of Mental Health Professionals
Sunflower House is proud to support the development of the future mental health workforce through our student placement program in partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and TAFE NSW.
As a recognised placement site, Sunflower House provides students with valuable real-world experience within a community-based psychosocial recovery environment, complementing the clinical training they receive through their academic programs.
Through these placements, students gain first-hand insight into the role of psychosocial support in the mental health recovery pathway, and the importance of community connection in supporting long-term wellbeing.
Learning in a Real Recovery Environment
Student placements at Sunflower House provide an opportunity to experience mental health support beyond the clinical setting.
Working alongside experienced staff and peer support workers, students observe and contribute to programs that support individuals living with mental illness to rebuild confidence, social connection and independence.
Students gain exposure to:
Psychosocial recovery support
Peer-led recovery models
Community-based mental health programs
Group facilitation and program development
Recovery-oriented practice
This experience helps students better understand the critical role community organisations play in the broader mental health system.
Supporting the Recovery Workforce
The placement program also reflects Sunflower House’s commitment to strengthening the future mental health workforce across the Riverina.
By providing students with practical experience in psychosocial recovery support, Sunflower House helps prepare emerging professionals to work more effectively across both clinical and community-based mental health services.
Many students who complete placements with Sunflower House gain a deeper appreciation of the role community recovery programs play in supporting individuals transitioning from clinical care back into everyday life.
A Collaborative Approach to Learning
Sunflower House works closely with UNSW and TAFE NSW to ensure placements provide meaningful learning experiences that align with each institution’s academic and professional training requirements.
Students are supported through:
Structured learning opportunities
Supervision and mentoring from experienced practitioners
Exposure to multidisciplinary approaches to recovery
Engagement with lived experience and peer support models
Through these placements, students gain valuable insight into person-centred, recovery-oriented mental health practice.
Investing in the Future of Mental Health Care
By welcoming students into our community, Sunflower House contributes to building a stronger, more compassionate and better prepared mental health workforce for the future.
Our placement program ensures that emerging professionals understand the importance of community connection, psychosocial support and lived experience as vital components of long-term recovery.