Peer workers, like professionals in any specialised field, require comprehensive, high-quality training and ongoing professional development. This ensures they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence necessary to provide effective support to individuals facing addiction challenges. Continuous education and training are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the peer workforce, adapting to emerging issues in the field, and fostering best practices.
In this session, we aim for participants to:
Understand what skillset and experience is required to step into a peer work role
Be introduced to current peer work models being practiced and implemented
Explore the benefits of Peer Work for service users, peer workers and services alike. Be introduced to a timeline of Victorian AOD Peer Work
Understand an overview of different AOD Lived Experience roles, career pathways, and professional development opportunities
Be introduced to what to expect and how to successfully implement a lived experience perspective when working within multi-disciplinary teams
Be introduced to the importance, implementation, and uniqueness of boundaries in peer work
Understand the importance of self-care and wellbeing whilst working in peer work roles
Introduction to Peer Work
SHARC’S Introduction to Peer Work is a great place to start for people early on in their peer work journey. This session will introduce you to the concepts of peer work and its practice within Victorian Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services.  Â
This is an initial session primarily designed to provide information. After the session you will be informed of pathways to engage in further training to develop practical skills in peer work. Â
The Introduction to Peer Work runs for 5 hours and is a funded (free) session for people who have a lived experience in AOD and who currently reside in Victoria.Â
Upcoming Introduction to Peer Work Dates 2026
- Wednesday 8th July 2026 – 9:30am – 2:30pm online via Zoom.
- Wednesday September 9th – Registrations open 29th July
- Wednesday December 2nd – Registrations open 21st October
- Wednesday February 3rd – Registrations open 6th January
- Wednesday 28th April – Registrations open 17th March
To register your interest for this opportunity, please fill in the questionnaire via the link below. Registrations close at COB Wednesday 17th June 2026.Â
Peer Worker Training
SHARC’s Peer Worker Training program supports people with lived and living experience to work effectively in peer roles within the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) sector. Developed through research and co-design, the training builds the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for peer practice. Participants explore the values and principles of peer support, ethical practice, boundaries and self-care, while learning how to use their lived experience safely and meaningfully to support others. The program aims to strengthen the peer workforce and support the growth of lived experience leadership.
To find out more about what training programs we have on offer or how we can tailor a training program for your needs, contact
In this training, we aim for participants to:
Educate peer workers on concepts and core competencies of peer work
Assist peer workers to apply best practice peer work in formalised settings
Offer an Intentional Peer Support (IPS) lens to the peer work discipline
Increase confidence and develop skills in communication and navigating relational parameters
Develop understanding of ethical practice and workplace legislative requirements
Empower peer workers to advocate for the discipline and manage their own wellbeing and development needs
Prepare peer workers to work across a number of domains, remaining ‘peer’ within clinical governance frameworks
Upcoming Peer Worker Training Dates 2026
- Funded online training: 9th, 10th, 11th, 15th, 16th and 17th June 2026. (Registrations open: 28th April 2026)
- Fee for Service online training: 12th, 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th and 19th August 2026 (Registrations open: 1st July 2026)
- Funded in person training: 21st,22nd,23rd, 26th and 27th October 2026 (Registrations open: 9th September 2026)
- Funded online training: 17th,18th, 22nd,23rd and 24th February 2027 (Registrations open: 6th January 2027)
- Fee for Service in person training: 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th and 13th April 2027 (Registrations open: 24th February 2027)
Please note, registrations remain open for approximately two weeks and you can only register for the training you are interested in once registrations open.
In this training, we aim for participants to:
Understand the fundamental concepts and values underpinning peer support, peer work and the Victorian AOD LEW
Identify and apply the important qualities, attributes and skills of a peer facilitator
Identify and apply the practice of maintaining boundaries in a peer support group
Explore different types of groups and approaches that can be adopted by peer facilitators
Explore what is important to consider in developing the framework for a peer support group
Identify and apply ways to address group issues whilst minimising power imbalances and maintaining group safety
Understand how to co-facilitate groups as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Explore the importance of on-going review processes that involve all stakeholders
Peer Facilitator Training
This 1-day program is specifically designed for individuals and agencies that work in support groups. Whilst the scope and focus of your peer support group will be dictated by the needs of your agency and your group participants, this training will support you in the development and support of your group.
To find out more about what training programs we have on offer or how we can tailor a training program for your needs, contact
Upcoming Peer Facilitator Training Dates 2026
- Monday 1st June 2026 (Registrations open 28th April 2026)
- Wednesday 30th September 2026 (Registrations open: 19th August 2026)
- Tuesday 8th December 2026 (Registrations open: 5th October 2026)
- Tuesday 23rd March 2027 (Registrations open: 16th February 2027)
- Wednesday 5th May 2027 (Registrations open: 31st March 2027)
Please note, registrations remain open for approximately two weeks and you can only register for the training you are interested in once registrations open.
Organisational Readiness Training
SHARC also delivers training to help organisations to introduce or expand a peer workforce and to provide a framework of support to sustain it. This training is focused entirely on meeting the needs of executives, managers and other staff.
To find out more about what training programs we have on offer or how we can tailor a training program for your needs, contact
Participants will:
Develop an understanding of the peer work discipline through its history, contemporary practice and evidence base
Understand the key domains to successful implementation and use this opportunity to get it right from the start
Understand workforce support requirements, sustainability frameworks and workshop localised challenges and opportunities