This blog was written by Alisha Ostberg, Olga Sydorchuk, and a SafeLink Alberta Systems Navigator. Editing by Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi.
Table of Contents
What is Living/Lived Experience?
Living/Lived experience refers to the firsthand knowledge and insights individuals gain through their direct involvement in life circumstances that are often stigmatized or marginalized. For SafeLink Alberta, lived experience includes individuals navigating experiences such as HIV, substance use, sex work, houselessness, and mental health issues. These experiences provide deep personal insight into the barriers, emotions, and realities these communities face. Living/Lived experience is invaluable in shaping programs and services that are empathetic, relevant, and responsive to the needs of those facing similar struggles.
“I believe that SLA values people with lived experience because we are the link between the populations of people we serve and the agency. Having a lived experience as an outreach systems navigator builds an unspoken trust with our participants. It links them with someone who understands their situation, can navigate government systems, and will advocate for them.
PWLE SafeLink Alberta Staff Member
People who have lived experience and work in the non-profit sector who help people who are unhoused have an understanding of baseline needs, stresses, fears and survival. We think and feel differently. For some of us, our past traumas guide us; we have walked that path, so it’s easier for us to help guide participants through the maze of government systems. We are the bridge; we bring a deeper and different level of understanding. We are the advocates for a community we hold dear to us. SLA values lived experience because they take the time to understand my needs, my stresses, they work with me to help guide the people I serve.”
Why Design Programs to Include People with Lived/Living Experience?
Involving People with Lived/Living Experience (PWLLE) in program design, implementation, and evaluation processes helps create more effective, evidence-based and meaningful services. These individuals bring critical insights into the challenges faced by those who often encounter stigma, discrimination, and system-related barriers and effective ways our programs can alleviate those challenges. People with lived experience provide practical and anecdotal perspectives on accessing care, avoiding pitfalls, dismantling barriers, and needing support, ensuring that programs are more person-centred and responsive. Their participation helps build trust with communities that might otherwise be hesitant to engage with services and ensures that services address real-world needs rather than theoretical ones.
How Does Peer Support Work?
Peer support works by connecting individuals who share similar lived experiences. Peer support staff, such as those with lived experience in HIV, substance use, or mental health, act as role models, advocates, and emotional support for those who are in the early stages of their journey. They help reduce feelings of isolation by showing that recovery and stability are possible and a continuous journey. These peers use their knowledge of navigating complex health and social systems to assist others in accessing care, managing their condition, and overcoming the stigma and discrimination they face. Peer support creates a bridge and provides communal support for those hesitant to seek help, offering hope and practical guidance.
What Are SafeLink Alberta’s Peer Support Programs?
SafeLink Alberta offers several peer support programs:
Calgary Peer Support Groups:
These provide safe, non-judgmental spaces for individuals to share experiences, receive support, and discuss topics like mental health, medication, and safer sex. Confidentiality, cultural sensitivity and inclusivity are key to these groups, which meet in person and online.
- Plus Friends: a safe and inclusive group for anyone living with HIV. This group aims to offer support and community in a social setting.
- Positive Connections: a monthly peer support group, a non-judgmental and safe place for women to share their stories, successes, and challenges of living with HIV.
- Parejas Unidas: un grupo de apoyo mensual para parejas que hablan principalmente Español (a monthly support group for GBMSM couples who speak primarily Spanish).
- Coffee Connections: A monthly group of PLWH (people living with HIV) who come to the office space to drink coffee, eat pastries and socialize with their peers.
- Sex Worker Peer Group: a group for adults currently or previously engaged in sex work.
Calgary and Medicine Hat One-to-One Peer Navigation:
In Calgary, peer navigators are individuals living with HIV, people with lived/living experience using substances, or people previously or currently engaged in sex work. In Medicine Hat, one-on-one peer navigation is offered by those with living/lived experience using substances.
These individuals provide tailored emotional support and systems navigation, assisting with appointments, referrals, and education. They are matched with participants based on factors like language and comfort level, offering flexible support based on the client’s needs.
Both programs aim to empower our participants by connecting them with others who have walked similar paths, providing guidance, education, and emotional support.
Does SafeLink Alberta Hire PWLLE?
At SafeLink Alberta, we are committed to creating a workplace that truly values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. We have intentionally removed hiring barriers to encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities, including people with lived/living experience, to apply for positions they believe align with their skills and interests. People living with HIV, people who use substances, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, individuals from African, Caribbean, and Black community members, sex workers, and Indigenous community members are always welcome to join our team!
How does SafeLink Alberta Compensate PWLLE?
We acknowledge that lived/living experience is invaluable and reflect this in our compensation practices. Our compensation grid incorporates considerations for staff members who bring valuable lived/living experience to their roles. In addition, we offer honoraria to lived experience consultants, speakers, and Indigenous Elders who share their expertise with us.
Our commitment to diversity extends beyond hiring and compensation. We believe that embracing a wide range of experiences and viewpoints creates a richer work environment, fosters innovation, and ultimately leads to greater success for everyone.
Contact Us to Learn More About Peer Support:
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