Community Spotlight: NTAHC's Peer-Led Approach

We caught up with Forest Peters, the LGBTI Living Well Program Coordinator at Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC) to hear more about their work, what drives them, and what’s next. A peer-led organisation with deep roots in community, NTAHC delivers vital harm reduction, health, and support services across the NT. From blood-borne virus prevention to LGBTQIA+ mental health and inclusion, they’re tackling stigma head-on and building stronger, healthier communities.

What drives your work, and how has your community shaped the way you approach things?

"My LGBTQIA+ community and lived experience are what drive my approach to this work at the Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC). Because our team is so small, it's important that everyone brings lived experience, collectively reflecting as much varied perspective as possible.

I carry deep empathy for all the LGBTQIA+ young people and what they go through in the Territory. I'm part of NTAHC, and I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me. I'm proud to be coordinating the only LGBTQIA+ support program of its kind in the Northern Territory.

I feel so fortunate to work with my community in this space. My heart is full when I see just how important social connection and intergenerational connection are—watching young people connect with elders, and elders connect with each other. Being able to help shape spaces that make the Territory more inclusive is a privilege. I always try to ensure those spaces are led by local people with lived experience."

Can you share a moment that really captures the impact of your work, something that made you think, yes, this is why we do this?

"Since I work across individual support, education, advocacy and policy, there have been several powerful moments.

I started as a social work student at NTAHC two years ago, right when the NT Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 was being amended in Parliament. It was an incredible experience witnessing how our elders had been fighting for these changes for decades, and seeing how all that work finally came together to create real change. Sitting there in parliament as an organisation watching it happen was profoundly moving.

At the education level, one particular experience stands out. We had just delivered LGBTQIA+ awareness training to a particularly challenging environment. I remember thinking, 'What am I doing here?' as I rushed through the training, feeling defeated.

Afterward, someone slipped a note into my hand: 'Thanks a million. You're doing this work, as horrible as it feels. My best friend took their life two years ago, and you have no idea how amazing it feels to know people are out challenging this.' I've kept that note framed as a reminder of why I do this work.

On an individual peer support level, I work with an incredible group of folks who are often geographically isolated. We started the group 12 months ago, uncertain if it would be a one-off or ongoing meeting, however during that first session – it was clear just how important this group is to so many people at all stages of their gender affirming journey. Seeing the group become a place where people feel supported and less isolated has been very rewarding for our team, and encouraged us to start up 2 more peer support groups for younger LGBTQIA+SB people. It fills our hearts to watch our communities support each other to thrive."

What's one thing you wish more people (or funders) understood about the challenges and strengths of community-led solutions?

"As both a Social Worker and someone with lived experience, I appreciate that NTAHC operates on a peer-led model, though that can sometimes be challenging to maintain. People with lived experience know what we need and how to improve our own situations. My message to funders and policymakers is simple: just come in, sit down with us, and listen.

We often have Government Officials, Ministers, Politicians and people from outside our sector come to NTAHC to learn more about our communities, so it’s important that we meet people with where they’re at. You can't build meaningful relationships when people aren't meeting you authentically. Trust that we have many of the answers for our community—we just need the support and resources to implement them."

If you’re feeling inspired and want to donate directly to NTAHC’s Living Well Program, shoot them a message at info@ntahc.org.au to find out how you can support them.