Peer research is a collaborative approach where people with lived experience of a topic lead the research, bringing an “insider” perspective. This ensures research is informed by those directly affected, promotes inclusivity, and amplifies often-marginalised voices.
From April 2023 to March 2025, Justlife’s peer research project explored the intersectionality of homelessness, establishing peer research groups that represented diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives, including neurodiversity, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, age and disability. 9 Peer Researchers and 4 facilitators and project staff worked on this project, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and The Young Foundation through the Community Knowledge Fund.
Following a successful pilot phase with an initial group of peer researchers, a second peer research group was recruited. Additionally, two partnership research projects with University of Southampton and RISE were developed. These groups and partnerships not only produced further research but also tested and refined a how-to peer research manual initially co-produced by the first Justlife group. The final version of the manual, incorporating input from all groups involved, is available for download further on this page.
Though this project is now finished, the project’s outputs are available for download and will stay live. Please get in touch if you use these in your work to help us track our impact:
Peer Research Manual: An Essential Guide – Step-by-step co-produced guide for establishing peer research groups. Includes tools, session plans, and glossary for peer research.
One size doesn’t fit all – Justlife peer research findings and insights on how intersecting identities shape experiences of homelessness.
Peer Research Is Having An Impact – Justlife peer research findings and insights on health impacts of temporary accommodation and project outcomes.
Our journey into peer research – First-hand accounts from Justlife’s Peer Researchers with lived experience of temporary accommodation.
Peer Researcher Experience Report – Post project evaluatory summary of the project’s impact and lessons for Justlife from the Peer Researchers.
Behind the Process: How Facilitator Reflection Shapes Meaningful Participation – Post project evalutatory research on facilitator experience of meaningful participation and reflective practice.
Pilot Peer Research Manual – The first iteration of the Peer Research Manual produce by Justlife peer research group 1.
Contact gail@justlife.org.uk to discuss the project.
For more on lived experience-led research, visit our Community Research page to explore community research approaches to women’s mental health and homelessness.
