National Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Development Guidelines

Foreword from the Commission

The Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan is clear, Australia’s mental health workforce is in need of growth and development.

Dedication

The Contributing Life framework subsequently underpins all of the Commission’s work to ensure individuals live a contributing life; have equitable opportunity; have the best possible mental health and wellbeing; are included; and have knowledge, assurance and respect. The importance of recovery oriented practices are a critical aspect of enabling people to live full and contributing lives.

Introduction

A thriving mental health Lived Experience (Peer) workforce is a vital component of “quality, recovery-focused mental health services”. This principle is embedded in the mental health plans and policies that influence all mental health care services in Australia.

A shared agenda for change

The National Development Guidelines are intended to strengthen understanding and collaboration across the mental health sector and beyond, contributing to more effective services and ultimately, better outcomes for people accessing services, their families, supporters and communities. Five priorities are identified for the mental health service system as a roadmap for leaders across diverse settings to establish policies and practices that support sustainable and effective workforce growth.

The National Lived Experience Workforce Development Guidelines

The National Mental Health Commission (the Commission) has led the development of the National Lived Experience Workforce Development Guidelines as a key reform initiative of the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.

Principles to guide workforce development

The National Development Guidelines promote six core principles that are relevant to employers, policy makers, funding bodies and service planners and commissioners

How to use the National Development Guidelines

The National Development Guidelines provide an overview of the professional principles, values and roles of the Lived Experience workforce. They provide detailed steps for employers at each stage of the process, from planning a Lived Experience workforce through to embedding it as part of the service’s core business. It includes links to additional resources and action checklists making it suitable as a learning tool for managers and decision makers in health service organisations.

Talking about Lived Experience: language and definitions

The way we talk about lived experience makes a fundamental difference to the way we engage with and prioritise the development of the Lived Experience workforce.

Clarity: Understanding Lived Experience work

This section provides insight into the way in which Lived Experience work differs from other health professions. The content of this section relates to the first step in workforce development: improving clarity and understanding.

From commitment to co-production: Employing the Lived Experience workforce

The three stages of development described in this section provide guidance to employers to progress Lived Experience workforce development in a sustainable and effective manner. Employers may include public and private health services, non-government organisations, primary and allied health care services, service commissioners and funding bodies, and educational institutions.

Appendices

Planning and supporting mental health reform

There are important sector-wide areas for action that are beyond the scope of any individual employer or Lived Experience organisation to address. The responsibility for workforce development sits across a diverse range of jurisdictions, agencies, and professions. Action is required by all stakeholders to ensure the development of the Lived Experience workforce.

Last updated:

26 September 2023

Lived Experience

We acknowledge the individual and collective contributions of those with a lived and living experience of mental ill-health and suicide, and those who love, have loved and care for them. Each person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to mental health suicide prevention systems reform.

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