Lived Experience Training
Lived experience training provides opportunities for people with lived experience to learn, grow, and develop skills across a variety of platforms. These programs support individuals to build confidence, share their knowledge, and strengthen their capacity to contribute to peer work, advocacy, and system transformation
Lived Experience Australia Online Learning Site
The Lived Experience Australia Online Learning Site is a free digital training platform that provides courses, webinars, and resources designed to build the skills and knowledge of people involved in the lived experience movement. It is accessible anytime and supports a wide range of users—including consumers, carers, peer workers, clinicians, and organisations—through structured online learning modules
Being E-Learning Hub
The BEING E-Learning Hub is an online training platform developed by BEING (Mental Health Consumers NSW) in Australia 🇦🇺, designed to deliver lived experience–led education in a flexible, digital format. It emerged from the BEING Leadership Academy, which provided peer-led training and mentorship for people with lived experience of mental health challenges and their families and carers.
CoMHWA Core Training and Calendar
LearnWorlds
LELAN’s LearnWorlds is an online learning platform created by Lived Experience Leadership & Advocacy Network (LELAN) to deliver lived experience–led training in a flexible, digital format. It provides free, self-paced courses and modules focused on lived experience leadership, advocacy, and governance—co-produced by people with lived experience and designed to help individuals build skills, confidence, and influence within the mental health system
PeerZone Workshops
PeerZone Workshops are a New Zealand–based peer-led education program developed by PeerZone 🇳🇿, designed to support people with lived experience of mental distress to build practical skills for wellbeing and everyday life. They are co-produced and delivered by peer facilitators, focusing on areas such as self-awareness, communication, relationships, and navigating challenges, and they promote lived experience by creating strengths-based, peer-led learning environments where people learn from each other and build confidence, connection, and self-determination
Workshop Calendar - Blueprint For Learning
The Blueprint for Learning Workshop Calendar (Aotearoa New Zealand 🇳🇿) is a centralised schedule of mental health, addiction, disability, and wellbeing workshops that are delivered regularly across the country, both online and in-person. It allows individuals and organisations to easily find workshops by topic, date, and location, making training accessible nationwide. The calendar features a diverse suite of workshops—including MH101®, Addiction 101, Trauma 101, Stress & Wellbeing, Disability 101, and culturally specific or community-tailored programs (e.g., rural, rainbow, Deaf community) . These workshops are typically short, interactive sessions delivered by facilitators who combine professional and lived experience knowledge, supporting mental health literacy, stigma reduction, and practical skills for responding to distress across communities
CPSLE Training Directory
The CPSLE Training Directory, developed by Te Pou 🇳🇿, is a centralised guide to training and professional development opportunities for the Consumer, Peer Support and Lived Experience (CPSLE) workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. It brings together a curated (but not exhaustive) list of courses and learning pathways to support people who are either entering the peer workforce or developing their careers within it. The directory supports lived experience by mapping out clear learning pathways, including foundation training, advanced skill development, and culturally grounded education (such as Te Tiriti o Waitangi training), helping individuals build the competencies needed for peer roles. It functions as a career navigation and workforce development tool, guiding people from entry-level engagement through to leadership, while strengthening the overall capability and professionalism of the lived experience workforce
Lived Experience Training.Org
livedexperiencetraining.org is an online training platform focused on building understanding and capacity for lived experience (peer) workforces, particularly within mental health and related sectors. It provides evidence-informed, self-paced courses and leadership programs designed for consumers, peer workers, leaders, and organisations—covering everything from foundational knowledge to advocacy and executive leadership. The training is grounded in over 15+ years of research and aims to help organisations and individuals better understand, implement, and strengthen lived experience roles and workforce development
Training @ CAMHPRO
The Training page at California Association of Mental Health Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO)—titled “Trainings, Webinars & Events”—is a central hub for peer-led learning opportunities, advocacy training, and community engagement activities for the mental health consumer movement in California 🇺🇸. Rather than being a single structured course, the page functions as a dynamic listing of events and training opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and advocacy sessions that support peer-run organisations and individuals.
Wellness Institute - CSPNJ
The Wellness Institute at Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ) is a training, research, and innovation hub focused on wellness and recovery for people with lived experience of mental health challenges. Established in 2003, it has become an international leader in developing peer-led wellness models, tools, and education programs that support individuals, communities, and systems. At its core, the Wellness Institute works across three main areas: training, peer support, and research/innovation, offering education in peer wellness coaching, supervision, and recovery-oriented practice. It promotes lived experience by developing practical tools (like the 8 Dimensions of Wellness), co-producing resources, and making knowledge accessible to peers, helping people build skills, improve wellbeing, and influence how mental health systems approach recovery and wellness
Peer Support Professional Training with CMWN
Peer Support Professional Training with Colorado Mental Wellness Network 🇺🇸 is a structured training program designed to prepare people with lived experience of mental health challenges to work as certified peer support professionals. The training equips participants with practical skills in peer support ethics, communication, recovery-oriented practice, boundaries, and navigating systems, while grounding their work in their own lived experience. It promotes lived experience by transforming personal experience into professional expertise, enabling individuals to support others, contribute to services, and play an active role in workforce development and system change
Rooted Learning Exchange
The Rooted Learning Exchange, run by Colorado Mental Wellness Network 🇺🇸, is a free, peer-led learning exchange program designed to bring people with lived experience together to share knowledge, skills, and insights in an open, community-based format. Rather than a traditional training course, Rooted operates as a regular workshop series (e.g., weekly sessions) where peer supporters and lived experience leaders can both learn and present, creating a two-way exchange of knowledge. Topics include areas like peer support practice, identity (e.g., LGBTQ+), and specific lived experience perspectives such as hearing voices.
The Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network provides multiple training opportunities throughout the year to prepare their peers for the extraordinary opportunities to serve peers across communities throughout the State of Georgia. Training includes:
Training @ GMHCN
Trauma Informed Care Curriculum @ Kansas Consumer Advisory Council
The Trauma Informed Care Curriculum (TICC), developed by the Kansas Consumer Advisory Council 🇺🇸, is a peer-informed training program designed to build understanding of trauma and its impact on mental health and wellbeing. Originally created through a SAMHSA grant, it is typically delivered as a structured training (e.g. a 2-day course) for peers, staff, and community members to increase awareness and skills in trauma-informed practice.
Training and Technical Assistance Center
Mental Health Empowerment Program (MHEP) Training and Technical Assistance Center provides education, consultation, and skill-building opportunities that strengthen peer support, promote trauma-informed care, and drive recovery-oriented systems change. Their work supports individuals in reclaiming their voice, strengthens the peer workforce, and assists organisations and communities in building inclusive environments where all people can thrive.
Training @ Montana Peer Network
The Training program at Montana’s Peer Network (MPN) 🇺🇸 is a comprehensive peer workforce development system that offers both on-demand online learning and structured certification training for people with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges. It is designed for individuals exploring peer work, current peer supporters, and organisations looking to integrate peer roles into services. At its core, MPN training includes programs like Peer Support 101 (a 40-hour foundational course), along with a wide range of modules covering topics such as recovery, peer leadership, ethics, self-care, communication, and cultural awareness. These courses support lived experience by transforming personal recovery journeys into practical skills and professional competencies, enabling individuals to become certified peer support specialists and contribute to recovery-oriented systems and services.
MPN's Learning Platform
The Learning Platform at Montana’s Peer Network (MPN) 🇺🇸 is an online education and training system designed to support the development of the peer support workforce through accessible, flexible learning. It provides a digital library of courses, modules, and resources—including foundational training (like Peer Support 101) and specialised topics—allowing people with lived experience to learn at their own pace and build skills for peer roles.
Build Skills. Grow Hope. Strengthen Communities
PMHCA and Youth MOVE PA offer engaging, peer-informed trainings for mental health professionals, peer workers, youth, families, schools, and community partners. Explore virtual, in-person, and hybrid options to support recovery and wellness across Pennsylvania.
Training @ Project Able
Training at Project ABLE (A Brighter Living Experience), delivered by Project ABLE 🇺🇸, is a peer-led training and workforce development program designed to prepare people with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges for roles in peer support and recovery services.
PRPSN Training Institute
The Training Institute run by Pennsylvania Recovery and Peer Support Network 🇺🇸 is a comprehensive peer workforce development program designed to prepare individuals with lived experience for roles in mental health and substance use recovery services. It offers a structured pathway that includes foundational peer support training, certification preparation (such as Certified Peer Specialist), continuing education, and leadership development, alongside specialised courses in areas like ethics, trauma-informed care, and advocacy. The institute promotes lived experience by professionalising peer roles—transforming personal recovery into recognised skills, credentials, and career pathways, while strengthening the overall peer workforce and its influence within the mental health system
Training Calendar @ PRPSN
The California Association of Peer Supporters Academy (CAPS.academy)
The California Association of Peer Supporters Academy (CAPS.academy) is a statewide peer workforce training institute in California 🇺🇸 that prepares individuals with lived experience to become certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. It is a collaboration between Project Return Peer Support Network and Mental Health America of California, combining their expertise to deliver large-scale peer training across the state. The academy delivers an 80-hour blended training program (live instruction + self-paced learning) that covers core competencies, ethics, recovery principles, and exam preparation for certification. It promotes lived experience by transforming personal experience into recognised professional credentials, while also creating a supportive learning community that empowers participants to become peer leaders and “agents of change” within mental health systems
Peer Academy
Peer Academy, provided by Promise Resource Network, offers a welcoming learning environment to deepen your understanding of peer support and build skills rooted in lived experience. Their training emphasises connection and compassion, preparing future peer supporters to show up authentically, honour each person’s journey, and foster environments where dignity and respect are at the centre of every interaction.
The PRN Incubator uplifts new and growing peer-led and survivor-led initiatives by offering mentorship, shared resources, and thoughtful guidance. Their goal is to help grassroots efforts build strong foundations rooted in lived experience, community connection, and collective empowerment. They walk alongside leaders as they develop their vision, strengthen their structure, and grow their impact. The Incubator centres dignity, collaboration, and the belief that peer-led voices are essential to transforming communities.
PRN Incubator
Recovery University
Recovery University offers workshops, learning collaboratives, and consultations designed to help organizations and groups deepen their understanding of recovery values and peer-informed approaches. Their work supports teams in building environments rooted in dignity, inclusion, and shared humanity. Through interactive learning and real-life experience, they help organizations strengthen culture, expand awareness, and create spaces where connection, equity, and wellness are part of everyday practice.
BRIDGES Education Classes
BRIDGES Education classes, developed by United Self-Help (and widely used by peer-run organisations like the Tennessee Mental Health Consumers' Association 🇺🇸), are a structured, peer-led educational program designed to support people with lived experience of mental health challenges in their recovery journey. At the core, BRIDGES (Building Recovery of Individual Dreams and Goals through Education and Support) is typically delivered as a 10-week course that combines education and peer support, covering topics such as mental health conditions, treatment options, and practical self-help strategies for recovery.
Wellness Education
Wellness Education by Wings Across Alabama 🇺🇸 is a peer-led education program offering free courses designed to support recovery, wellbeing, and personal development for people with lived experience. The program includes a range of self-guided and facilitated workshops such as Mental Health 101, Mindfulness, Creative Workshops, and Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery (APPR)—a structured process that helps individuals monitor and manage their wellbeing over time . It promotes lived experience by providing accessible, practical education grounded in peer knowledge, helping people build skills, develop wellness plans, and take an active role in their recovery journey
The Lived Experience Hub features 36 training providers, showcasing a diverse range of services from specialised online learning platforms to dedicated training and workforce development programs. This page highlights not only what is currently available across the lived experience training landscape but also presents emerging models that demonstrate what is possible. Together, these providers offer insight into how lived experience training can be delivered, scaled, and embedded across systems—supporting the growth of a skilled, confident, and influential lived experience movement.
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