Exploring the complexity of the selection process to become a peer supporter with lived experience, the perspective of trainers from different formative traditions

People who have suffered in different ways, due to mental health challenges, substance use or homelessness, apply for training courses to work or volunteer as peer supporters with lived experience. The organizations that offer these courses are active in different countries around the world, and often eligible candidates are selected to become experts by experience. In literature there is not much information available on this specific topic, and there is no internationally shared protocol with a list of selection criteria. The aim of this research is to understand different and common ways in which this selection process takes places. I collected data conducting semi-structured interviews (n=12) and I analysed it via a reflective thematic analysis. The criteria that emerged were as follows: passion for the job, voluntary experience, intellectual and listening skills, self-care, self-awareness and well-being maintenance in recovery. Discussing these results, I concluded that a selection process can safeguard the individuals with lived experience who could be triggered by the training course. It is important also for those who will seek support from these peers in the future, so that they can rely on people who are able to sustain them. On the other hand, being aware of the social determinants in health and mental health, made me realize that being welcomed onto the training course for experts by experience can be a privileged position to acquire and maintain. Therefore, there are types of discrimination that can occur while selecting those who can be eligible for this role.