New Scoping Review Explores How “lived experience” Advocates Can Help

Wainwright, C., Sofija, E., Riley, T., Tudehope, L., & Harris, N. (2025). Examining the role of mental health lived experience advocacy in shaping the personal outcomes of youth advocates: A scoping review. Children and Youth Services Review, 171, 108182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108182

Introduction

Wainwright and colleages (2025) conducted a scoping review to examine the effects of youth lived experience advocacy (LEA) in community mental health contexts. Traditional clinical services often fail to meet the developmental needs of young people, and stigma frequently deters service use. Youth who share their own experiences of mental health challenges offer a promising community-based alternative.

Methods

The authors systematically searched five databases between September and October 2024, yielding 4,785 articles. After screening, 30 studies from seven countries were included. Eligible studies examined advocates under 30 trained for or working in community-based advocacy roles, with outcomes relating to personal or professional development. Data were synthesized using Moran et al.’s (2012) outcome framework.

Results

Across foundational, emotional, social, growth, and occupational domains, LEA roles were linked to improved mental health literacy, reduced stigma, and greater resilience. Advocates frequently reported enhanced confidence, empathy, and communication skills. Peer bonds created supportive communities and fostered belonging. Occupational gains included leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving abilities. Challenges were also evident in role ambiguity, emotional strain from self-disclosure, and risks of burnout or compassion fatigue.

Discussion

The review highlights LEA roles as both empowering and demanding. Benefits often outweighed risks when advocates received supervision, training, and clear role expectations. Nonetheless, evidence remains heavily qualitative, suggesting the need for stronger quantitative validation.

Implications for Mentoring Programs

Youth mentoring programs can draw from these findings by integrating lived experience advocates as peer mentors. Careful training, structured role definitions, and emotional support systems can maximize benefits by enhancing mentor well-being, strengthening peer bonds, and promoting positive identity development.

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