HepatitisWA announces new Peer/Living Experience Program

HepatitisWA is proud to be piloting a Peer/Living Experience Program in the first half of 2026.

Peers play a critical role in supporting people living with or affected by hepatitis, and this initiative will:

• reduce stigma and fear, and build trust through sharing similar experiences, helping people feel less alone

• encourage engagement with health services, improving access to hepatitis testing and treatment

• raise awareness about hepatitis risks and provide accurate, culturally-safe information

• support individuals to navigate health systems and stay engaged in care

• create new referral pathways, broadening reach into communities not currently connected to care

The program will comprise two-parts:

• HepatitisWA has launched a Hepatitis C Peer Support Worker role. Working closely with the HepLink Project Officer, and drawing on lived experience and strong community connections, this role will offer practical assistance both inhouse and during outreach events to help people feel empowered and supported. We are pleased to welcome long-time staff member Pete Townsend (pictured) to this role.

• HepatitisWA will conduct a scoping exercise to inform recruitment and training of a Hepatitis B Peer Support Worker role, drawing on experience and learnings of other organisations and people already working in this space. If you are interested in sharing any information about your own experience or program, we’d love to hear from you! This project is supported by HepLink, administered by Hepatitis Australia and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

HepLink provides confidential and free viral hepatitis information and support. Embedding a peer program into HepLink’s model will help close critical gaps in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment uptake, while creating a more person-centred, community-trusted pathway to care.