Between Lived Experience and Professionalisation: Can Personal Assistance Redefine Peer Support in Mental Health?

Analysing the perspective of participants, the personal assistance model may represent a promising framework for the professionalisation of peer support through functional clarity, continuous supervision, and recognition of experiential knowledge. Further progress requires strengthening internal communication, expanding training opportunities, and enhancing the structural participation of personal assistants in decision-making. The study contributes an exploratory qualitative perspective to the growing literature on integrating lived-experience professionals into mental health services.