Building a Community Research Network

Over the past year, our community researcher network has grown into something powerful—and deeply human. It's not just about collecting stories. It's about creating the conditions for care, curiosity, and change.

“This group is open to anyone who’s done the training or just wants to learn more,” said Stephane Kolinsky. “It’s a place to ask questions, float ideas and share perspectives.”

That openness has allowed us to strengthen everything from safeguarding practices to boundaries in difficult conversations. As Emma Sprawson shared, “I think I’m going to need more practice keeping good boundaries and not getting dragged into a rant… having the wheel next to me to steer me and give prompts is going to be a big help.”

Training is evolving too. We’ve developed clearer pathways—basic and enhanced training—and we’re weaving in trauma-informed practice. “The course covers what trauma is, how it shows up, and how we can respond in ways that reduce harm,” Stephane explained.

Processing conversations together has also changed how we make sense of the work. As Martyn Lowesmith put it: “Best three words to fall back on when you feel you need to ‘do something’? ‘Tell me more.’”

And we’re celebrating this work! From mental health workshops to a peer research event in October with fireside chats, interactive sessions, and creative sharing—community insight is being honoured in visible, joyful ways.

This is how systems begin to shift. One conversation, one connection, one shared story at a time.

We’re not just building a network—we’re building trust, skill, and a culture where lived experience leads the way.