Norfolk Service User and Lived Experience Peer Research Project featured on local radio
Jamie Barnes – Project coordinator for our Service User and Lived Experience Engagement Project across Norfolk, recently appeared on North Norfolk community radio station, Poppylands to talk with Catherine Van Battum from the community connectors show. The purpose of the show was to promote the projects work, talk about the other projects Together deliver within Norfolk and to highlight the importance of the project itself.
The Norfolk Service User & Lived Experience Engagement/Peer Research Project, aims to empower individuals affected by drugs and/or alcohol by providing a platform for their voices to be heard regarding the treatment system in Norfolk. The project seeks to identify strengths, weaknesses, potential improvements, and barriers to accessing treatment within the current system.
Jamie Barnes, a Project Co-ordinator with lived experience, leads a team of Peer Researchers, all with first-hand recovery experience, ensuring county-wide reach across Norfolk. The project began in December 2024 and has already conducted 142 feedback sessions from 258 referrals between March and May 2025.
The project’s methodology involves three key steps: peer-led conversations , focus groups , and the establishment of a Recovery Community. Peer-led conversations involve surveys and semi-structured interviews to gather initial feedback. Subsequently, focus groups will conduct deep dives into themes identified from these conversations.
The Recovery Community is a members-based initiative open to individuals aged 18 and over who have personal lived experience of drug and alcohol misuse and recovery, and who have participated in the Peer Research Project. Membership is free and aims to influence wider change in the drug and alcohol treatment system while supporting members’ recovery.
The community is designed to provide safe, supportive environments for recovery and aims to strengthen recovery capital by fostering social connections, offering skill-building and empowerment opportunities, and creating sustainable, community-led support systems. Members will also have access to training in areas such as public speaking, leadership, and peer support. The project will further amplify recovery stories through various media channels, including podcasts and radio segments.
To listen to the radio programme click below to play:
