The inclusion of peer workers or lived experience workers within postvention, whilst not new internationally, is a new concept within suicide postvention in Australia. Co-presented by a designated Lived Experience Worker in suicide bereavement and a Health Promotion Academic, the nuances and specific skills that are brought into support provision by members of the lived experience team specifically for suicide bereavement, as well as a reflection from the support structures needed within the organisation to accelerate impact will be shared. Additionally they will talk to the challenges that have been faced whilst developing this key workforce, as well as the key learnings and achievements through collective courage that have resulted in this new offering now expanded beyond the initial 6 PHN trialed areas.
Research on individuals bereaved by suicide highlights common challenges, including anxiety, depression, feelings of rejection and shame, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prolonged grief, and experiences of suicidal ideation and attempts. These experiences often accompany more 'typical' grief responses, leading to withdrawal and self-isolation. Incorporating lived experience support into bereavement assistance has proven effective in addressing these challenges. Studies indicate that engaging with peers and sharing experiences helps decrease feelings of isolation, providing a safe space for open dialogue without fear of judgment. Peer-to-peer engagement emerges as a crucial element, offering hope for the future and aiding in the reconstruction of meaning in their lives.
This presentation will outline the learnings from the establishment of a designated lived experience workforce within a postvention service, in six (6) PHNs in and around Sydney, in April 2021 and how this has contributed to the expansion of this workforce across four states and territories: QLD, NSW, VIC and NT. The lived experience peer workforce in suicide prevention and mental health has experienced significant and swift growth. This expansion positions peer work alongside traditional clinical systems, providing person-centred care that emphasises recovery-oriented and strength-based strategies for effective support provision. Historically, the peer-workforce has typically sat
within the scope of mental health, however the experiences of a lived experience worker in bereavement do not necessarily align with the understandings of mental health peer work, and as a result the operation and understandings of what peer work in postvention looks like can differ.