New Zealand - Experiential expertise into frontline mental health care.

New Zealand - Experiential expertise into frontline mental health care. The government has fast-tracked the rollout of peer support specialists in emergency departments — reaching eight hospitals five months ahead of schedule. These peer workers, trained and supported by Ember, bring something that no clinical training alone can replicate: firsthand understanding. By placing people with lived experience of mental distress directly in emergency departments, New Zealand is showing what true experience-informed care looks like — where human connection, empathy, and trust complement medical crisis responses. 🧠 Reported outcomes include - People in crisis feel genuinely heard and supported. - Better continuity of care after discharge. - Stronger collaboration between hospitals and community services. - Reduced repeat admissions and better recovery outcomes. 🧠 As Minister Matt Doocey put it: “When people take the brave step of asking for help, support must be there — when and where it’s needed.” This milestone is more than a policy success — it’s a validation of the peer support workforce and a call to action for other countries to scale lived-experience innovation within health systems. It’s also a reminder that peer work is not an alternative to clinical care — it’s an essential complement to it. Read full article here