Development of a National Peer Work Framework 

AIVL is working with our communities and member organisations, partners and allies across Australia to develop a comprehensive framework and guide for the employment of people who use drugs in harm reduction peer positions.  

The National Harm Reduction Peer Workforce Framework, a working title, is being developed in partnership with the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction. Expertise from our national membership network and our 40 years of experience will inform the framework. 

We will: 

• Have practical information about your rights and expectations for people who use or have used drugs when working in peer positions.  

• Provide guidance for organisations considering or already employing peers to work with their communities in harm reduction positions.  

• Identify key considerations including the benefits of employing people with lived and living experience of using drugs in positions where they can benefit their communities, how to support peer workers to do their jobs, and how to create safer cultures for peer workers.  

The Framework is intended for the harm reduction peer workforce and the organisations that provide harm reduction services, but we know people who use drugs are employed in many different services and organisations. Some of the information we will provide may be useful to many other health and social services, especially Alcohol and Drug Services where up to 80% of workers identify as having lived and living experience of AOD use.  

Stay tuned for more information about our National Harm Reduction Peer Workforce Framework, and our plans for a celebratory launch party.  

If you are interested in talking to us about any aspect of the development of the National Harm Reduction Peer Workforce Framework, please contact us.