Differences and Similarities Between Consumer- and Caregiver- or Family-Informed Peer Roles in Mental Health

What is it about?

Peer (or Lived Experience) roles are being widely implemented across the mental health sector in Australia and internationally. Peer roles have mostly comprised people who have their own personal experiences of mental health challenges (consumers or service users), however family or carer roles are becoming more frequent with the increasing need for peer workers. We explored the similarities and differences between the two roles. We found a range of views, with differences between the roles identified more by people from a personal or consumer perspective. This study shows the need for greater understanding of these two roles and what makes them unique.

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