Lived Experience /
Peer Workforce

Lived Experience (Peer) workers bring their valuable lived experience and unique skills to the mental health workforce and are able to establish connections to assist others in their recovery journey.  Building our peer workforce is essential. Having a dedicated organisation or association to support mental health peer workers is the next vital step. 

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Lived Experience Australia has completed multiple research, consultation  and co-design activities to support successful implementation of lived experience/peer workforces within organisations and to inform the establishment of a National Peer Workforce Association.

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In 2019, funded by the Australian Government, LEA conducted a national feasibility study consultation for the establishment of a National Peer Workforce Association providing a final report, summary report of key findings and a literature review. 

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In 2024, funded by the Australian Government, LEA completed a rapid review of international peer-reviewed literature and a targeted environmental scan of grey literature to identify innovative service delivery models to support increased engagement of the peer workforce. 

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In 2024 in partnership with the National Mental Health Consumer & Carer Forum, we developed a Checklist to support organisations that are planning, implementing, managing and maintaining a peer workforce. 

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Key reports and resources from these projects is available via the download links below.