Peer Pathways puts lived experience on the ward
Peer Pathways, a new service at Canberra Health Services, now has four full-time peer workers in adult inpatient mental health care. Mental Health Minister Marisa Paterson announced it on Global Peer Support Celebration Day, in a release dated 15 October 2026.
Who the peer workers are and where they work
The peer workers have lived experience of mental health challenges and draw on their own experiences of mental ill-health and recovery to support patients. They work in the low-dependency mental health inpatient units at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital, giving psychosocial, emotional and practical support. They also help families and carers find their way through the mental health system.
The ACT Government describes Peer Pathways as an evidence-informed service model for consumers with complex mental health needs.
What the people running it say
Minister Paterson said the ACT Government is committed to developing and embedding the lived experience workforce. Genevieve Whitlam, Canberra Health Services’ Director of Lived Experience, said an admission to an inpatient unit can be an incredibly challenging time, and that peer workers can help someone feel less alone and imagine a future beyond their current circumstances.
Ryan D’Lima, Manager of Peer Services, said the service is peer-led, so lived experience is fundamental to how it is designed, governed and delivered. Peer worker Keith Mahar said recovery from severe mental illness is possible.
What is not yet clear
The release does not say how much Peer Pathways costs, when each peer worker started or whether the service will expand to other wards.
If this story raises concerns for you, Lifeline is on 13 11 14.
Related: Government puts $630 million behind pay rises for 460,000 care workers
General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: ACT Government. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
