Empowered service users: peer workers co-production in Norwegian mental health and substance use services

Employing citizens with first-hand experience as ‘peer workers’ (PW) is increasingly prevalent in mental health and substance use organizations. This Norwegian qualitative exploratory study presents three benefits of PWs identified by managers, health professionals and PWs: empowered co-production, fluid positions, and catalysing cultural change. PWs have less clearly defined roles but can exercise discretion and autonomy. As service user experts, they often have direct access to management and can promote change in professional practice in multidisciplinary settings. PWs have the potential to catalyse change and increase legitimacy and trust, but greater attention is needed to strategies that support their integration.