Nowhere Needs Peer Work More Than Rural Locations: How to Motivate and Support This Development
| Thursday, November 6, 2025 |
| 4:25 PM - 4:55 PM |
Overview
Dr Louise Byrne, Founder and CEO, Lived Experience Training (.org)
Presenter
Dr Louise Byrne
Founder and CEO
Lived Experience Training (.org)
Nowhere Needs Peer Work More Than Rural Locations: How to Motivate and Support This Development
Presentation Overview
Peer work and rural communities are a match made in better-outcomes heaven. But the vast majority of peer workforce development is occurring in metropolitan centres with priorities that are shaped by those environments.
The research clearly shows that building understanding about peer work significantly enhances interest and motivation to move towards action. However, understanding about peer work and the potential benefits it can bring is still emerging, particularly in rural locations.
Foundational to all workforce development is the need for shared understanding to build clarity on concepts, language and definitions, and enable effective conversations and planning. There are tried and true strategies to educate funders, service providers and communities on the important and unique role peers can play.
Dr Byrne shares insights from 16 years of dedicated research on peer workforce development and some recent initiatives that are bringing the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of peer work to rural communities, to enhance uptake and empower effective planning.
The research clearly shows that building understanding about peer work significantly enhances interest and motivation to move towards action. However, understanding about peer work and the potential benefits it can bring is still emerging, particularly in rural locations.
Foundational to all workforce development is the need for shared understanding to build clarity on concepts, language and definitions, and enable effective conversations and planning. There are tried and true strategies to educate funders, service providers and communities on the important and unique role peers can play.
Dr Byrne shares insights from 16 years of dedicated research on peer workforce development and some recent initiatives that are bringing the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of peer work to rural communities, to enhance uptake and empower effective planning.
Biography
Dr Louise Byrne has multiple, first-hand, life-changing adverse experiences which have had a profound impact on her life.
Over the last 21 years Louise has worked in a broad variety of designated Lived and Living Experience roles. Louise’s seminal 16-year program of research has supported the growth in understanding, awareness and development of Lived Experience workforces, nationally and internationally, and helps shape the perspective of lived experience work as a respected, credible, evidence-based discipline.
Louise’s work as a strategic consultant, trainer and thought leader on the role and benefit of lived experience workforces assists meaningful implementation of the research findings and promotes an evidence informed approach to Lived Experience workforce development.
