Abstract
Background: Suicide Prevention (SP) peer work is a promising yet under-researched field. SP peer workers are individuals with a lived experience (LE) of suicide who are employed to support people experiencing acute suicidal distress. Little is known about how to sustain SP peer workers in their emotionally demanding work. The present study is the first to explore the experiences of SP peer workers engaged in a Community of Practice (CoP) established by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative (ISSPC). Co-Design: This research was co-created with the ISSPC. A Project Team partially comprised of SP peer workers was established to ensure LE expertise informed the creation, analysis, and dissemination of this research. The objectives of the Project Team were to expand the scope and availability of SP peer work research; to diversify the range of data analysts beyond the primary researchers; to remove stigmatising language and prioritise LE perspectives in research; and to ensure individuals with LE have agency over how they are described in research. The Project Team met online, once a month, for a one-hour consultation, and were regularly consulted via email. Method: Eight participants elected to participate; all were currently or previously employed as SP peer workers. This qualitative study incorporated both semi-structured interviews and a focus group to understand how these CoP meetings were received, if they met the initial objectives of the initiative, and how the CoP could be improved. Interview transcripts were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) and Dialogical Inquiry (DI). Participants were emailed the results to review before finalisation and were encouraged to raise any concerns via return email. Results: Three central themes were identified: (1) Celebrating the Humanistic Principle of Suicide Prevention Peer Work, (2) Appreciating the Inherent Expertise of Suicide Prevention Peer Work, and (3) Hopes and Imaginings for Future Communities of Practice. Each theme offered unique perspectives about the challenges of SP peer work, and how the CoP helped participants navigate these challenges in a supportive and informative environment. Conclusion: The findings indicated that an inter-organisation, peer-driven structure encouraged ongoing engagement with the CoP. This novel study contributes to the literature base identifying what factors determine safe and sustainable participation in the SP peer workforce.