Doing peer research: The experience of a Tasmanian community service organisation

This report is based on the work of Anglicare Tasmania’s first Peer Research Advisory Group. It describes the outcomes for those involved – for peer researchers, for programs and for the organisation as a whole – and draws out key lessons for conducting future peer research. Using peers as researchers encouraged a freer flow of insights from consumers and produced valuable information about people using community-based support programs for people with mental illness in southern Tasmania. The project was not without its challenges, but it has generated useful recommendations for improving services and consumer engagement activities.