If we really want to transform mental health systems, then who determines what is measured and why has to change.

Somewhere along the way, engagement stopped meaning 'going to where people are, listening to what matters to them, and building something together.' It started meaning 'getting people to attend your thing.

What happens when research is led by those with lived experience and peer practice expertise? And what needs to be in place for that to happen well?

Lived experience alone does not make a peer worker. How to hire, develop and retain peer support staff with genuine lived experience practice and peer leadership. We explore what makes peer working distinct, why lived experience practice (not just lived experience) is essential.

Why do some communities say no to research? In this guest blog, Chris Frederick explores refusal as an act of protection, not disengagement in Black mental health research. He calls for a new model of participation rooted in trust, co-production, and lived experience and peer leadership.

Learn how to transform community‑led research findings into real‑world policy and practice. In the final post of our series, we dive into Calgary’s private‑college reform and Samaritans UK’s online‑chat evaluation to show how collaboration, trust and community ownership drive lasting change. If you’re looking to ensure your research doesn’t just gather data but fuels policy shifts and service innovations, this blog is for you.

Discover how peer researchers turn community-led studies into richer, more trusted evidence. Learn why putting people with lived experience at the heart of your participatory research unlocks deeper insights and wins lasting support from decision-makers.

Learn how community-led research turns local stories into solid evidence that decision-makers respect. We explain easy methods (story circles, asset mapping, peer research and analysis) that let lived-experience data shape real policy change. Perfect for anyone searching practical tips on participatory research and community engagement.

Learn the key differences between community engagement and community-led research: power dynamics, trust-building, and why solid relationships, not just datasets drive meaningful, evidence-based change. Perfect for anyone asking “how do I do good community research?”

For too long, lived experience in mental health has been seen as something to be consulted rather than something that drives leadership. Co-production models have been a step forward, but they often stop short of real power-sharing. The future of mental health advocacy, peer support, and service design lies not just in co-production but in lived experience leadership.