The Vital Role of Peer Workers in Mental Health, Domestic Violence, and AOD Services
The Power of Lived Experience
In mental health, domestic violence (DV), and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, Peer Workers play a crucial role in supporting individuals on their recovery journey. Unlike traditional clinical professionals, Peer Workers bring lived experience—personal knowledge of mental illness, trauma, addiction, or recovery. This first-hand understanding allows them to offer authentic, empathetic, and non-judgmental support, making a profound impact on those navigating complex challenges.
One of the most powerful aspects of peer support work is the ability to share personal experiences in a way that inspires, validates, and empowers others. However, entering the field requires careful consideration of how comfortable someone is with sharing their story and understanding the impact of storytelling as a recovery tool.
The Role of Storytelling in Peer Support
Storytelling is at the heart of effective peer work. When Peer Workers share their experiences in a thoughtful and intentional way, it can:
- Create a sense of connection – People often feel isolated in their struggles. Hearing from someone with a similar lived experience fosters belonging.
- Provide hope and inspiration – Seeing someone who has successfully navigated recovery or change can be deeply motivating.
- Reduce stigma – Open conversations about mental health, trauma, or addiction help challenge misconceptions and encourage acceptance.
- Offer practical strategies – Peer Workers share insights on what helped them in their own journey, giving others new ideas for coping.
- Strengthen engagement – Clients often respond more positively to services when they see that recovery is possible.
However, it’s important that Peer Workers feel ready and supported in sharing their experiences. Some key considerations include:
- Boundaries – Knowing what parts of your story to share and what to keep private.
- Self-care – Being mindful of emotional triggers when revisiting past trauma.
- Purposeful sharing – Ensuring that storytelling is always in the service of supporting others rather than re-experiencing distress.
How Peer Support Enhances Clinical Teams
When integrated into clinical teams, Peer Workers bring a unique perspective that enhances client care. They help bridge the gap between service users and professionals by:
- Building trust – People accessing services often feel more comfortable opening up to someone who has walked a similar path.
- Providing hope and empowerment – Seeing someone who has successfully navigated similar struggles can be incredibly inspiring.
- Enhancing engagement – Peer Workers often improve service retention rates by encouraging participation in treatment or recovery programs.
- Reducing stigma – Their presence helps challenge misconceptions about mental illness, domestic violence recovery, and addiction.
- Strengthening holistic care – By complementing clinical interventions with real-world insights, Peer Workers contribute to a well-rounded support system.
Collaboration between Peer Workers and clinical professionals fosters a person-centred approach, ensuring services are not just evidence-based but also experience-informed. This synergy helps tailor support to individual needs and ultimately improves long-term outcomes.
Peer Work in Different Sectors
Mental Health Peer Workers
Mental health Peer Workers support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, psychosis, PTSD, and other conditions. They often work in community services, crisis support, inpatient facilities, and outreach programs.
Peer Workers in Domestic Violence Services
In the context of domestic and family violence, Peer Workers may be survivors who help others navigate trauma recovery, access safe housing, and engage with support services. Their lived experience provides insight into coercive control, emotional and financial abuse, and rebuilding independence.
AOD Peer Workers
In alcohol and other drug services, Peer Workers support individuals in recovery, helping them manage relapse risks, access harm reduction strategies, and rebuild social connections. They often work in detox programs, rehabilitation centres, needle exchange programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Training for Peer Workers
Peer support work requires specific skills, boundaries, and ethical considerations. While lived experience is invaluable, training is essential to equip Peer Workers with professional frameworks and evidence-based strategies.
Intentional Peer Support (IPS) Training
One of the most recognised training programs for Peer Workers in mental health is Intentional Peer Support (IPS). Developed by Shery Mead, IPS focuses on:
- Building mutual relationships rather than traditional ‘helper-helpee’ dynamics
- Exploring different worldviews to foster personal growth
- Focusing on strengths and future possibilities, rather than just problems
- Encouraging shared learning and connection
Other Peer Support Training Options
Other training programs available in Australia include:
- Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work (CHC43515) – a nationally recognised qualification
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) – useful for crisis peer support workers
- Trauma-Informed Care Training – essential for Peer Workers in domestic violence and AOD sectors
- Harm Reduction Training – beneficial for Peer Workers supporting individuals with substance use challenges
Here is a link to further training through the Mental Health Coordinating Council: This 3-hour online workshop is designed for Peer Support Workers and others who use their lived experience in service provision. It equips participants with the skills to share their stories in a way that is purposeful, meaningful, and safe.
Is Peer Work Right for You?
If you’re considering a career in Peer Support, take time to reflect on:
✅ Are you comfortable sharing your experiences in a way that helps others?
✅ Do you have strong personal boundaries and coping strategies?
✅ Are you willing to undertake training to enhance your skills?
✅ Do you want to be part of a team that blends lived experience with clinical expertise?
If your answer is yes, then Peer Work might be a fulfilling career path for you.
The Future of Peer Work
With growing recognition of lived experience as a professional asset, more services are embedding Peer Workers within their teams. Government initiatives, funding for peer-led programs, and increasing consumer advocacy mean that peer work will continue to shape the future of person-centred care.
By valuing lived experience alongside clinical expertise, we create a stronger, more inclusive support system—one that fosters hope, connection, and lasting recovery.
Interested in Peer Work?
If you have lived experience and a passion for supporting others, consider exploring training options and career opportunities in mental health, domestic violence, or AOD peer support. Your story could be the key to empowering someone else on their journey to recovery.
If you are interested in Peer Support Work or continuing to work in this space, please reach out to the team at Be about jobs in Peer Support Work: [email protected]
