Download document: Lived Experience Peer Researcher (MEL Framework) Role Description
227.3 kb - PDF
Welcome to our Lived Experience opportunities page, this is where we'll share details of lived experience roles, activities and research you can get involved in.
This could involve working alongside us on specific projects, joining an advisory group, or taking part in a workshop.
If you have experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm or you’ve lost someone to suicide, we’d like your help to shape the work we do.
Current opportunities
Lived Experience Peer Researcher – MEL Framework
WHAT - We are looking for three people with lived experience with suicidal feelings, suicide attempts, self-harm and/or bereavement by suicide to help Samaritans develop and test a measurement, evaluation and learning framework for our caller helpline and online chat services. This is to ensure that people with lived experience meaningfully inform the design of the framework itself, as well as the generation, interpretation and use of insights produced through it.
WHO – You must be 18 or over and have lived experience of suicidal feelings, suicide attempts, self-harm and/or bereavement by suicide. We are also looking for individuals with knowledge of research and evaluation methods, strong communication skills, good analytical skills and knowledge of ethical considerations in research.
WHY – The development of an MEL framework for our listening services will strengthen accountability and support a more consistent and robust assessment of the extent to which services are achieving their intended outcomes, as well as identifying opportunities for improvement. It will help ensure that future strategic and operational decisions are informed by a shared and transparent evidence base, building on existing data and learning.
WHERE - We currently envisage this project taking place online however if travel is required this will be by mutual agreement and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed and/or tickets purchased in advance on your behalf.
WHEN - March 2026 to March 2027
Time/Time commitment: Up to 16 days between March 2026 and March 2027
Payment: £300 per day NB: Half day = 3.5 hr Full day = 7 hrs
Support: Ongoing support to fulfil the role and any additional needs will be provided by the Impact and Evaluation Team.
For more information, please download the role description below.
To help you decide if you are ready to take on this role, please also read the readiness document.
Download document: Preparedness for Lived Experience Opportunities
274.2 kb - PDF
To apply for this role, please click on the link below.
Lived Experience Peer Researcher (MEL Framework) Application Form
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity, please contact [email protected]
Application deadline: 13/02/2026
We will let you know if you have been shortlisted for interview on 20/02/2026.
We take data protection seriously, we will always explain how we will use and store your data for each opportunity.
You can read our organisational privacy statements here:
Read our UK privacy statement or our Ireland privacy statement.