Investigating SANE’s programs around stigma in the media: exploring media engagement experiences of advocates with lived experience of complex mental illness

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective SANE facilitates and supports media engagements with their Peer Ambassadors to help elevate the perspectives and lived experiences of people with complex mental illness. This study aimed to explore Peer Ambassadors’ media engagement experiences to better understand their support needs and facilitate improved preparation for their future media engagements. Methods Peer Ambassadors (n = 10) participated in interviews about their media engagement experiences. Participant responses were inductively coded and analysed thematically. Results Three main themes were identified. These related to factors that motivate and influence media engagement experiences, and lived experience advocates’ support and training needs. These were: Empowerment as motivation to share lived experiences with the media; Openness, flexibility and transparency is needed from journalists to positively influence media engagement experiences; Preparation and support for Peer Ambassadors surrounding media engagements is essential. Discussion Media engagements provide a valued opportunity for Peer Ambassadors to share their experiences with large audiences and generate widespread impact on awareness and public stigma. Recommended practices should focus on providing support and training to lived experience advocates to best equip them for undertaking media engagements. Proactively creating additional media opportunities could be expected to increase the reach and impact, as well as the diversity, of the lived experience stories being shared.