The Peer Advocacy Response and Training Initiative (PARTi Project), led by Better Health Network and Thorne Harbour Health, runs the ‘Sesh.ed’ Instagram page to engage young people who use drugs at nightclubs and music events, a typically hard-to-reach group. Sesh.ed has increased user engagement, regularly sharing state government drug alerts and participating in EDNAV meetings to help develop these alerts. We launched a peer-developed program evaluation survey to collect anonymous, real-time qualitative and quantitative data on drug-use patterns, harm reduction strategies, and how young people prefer to access reliable drug information. We plan to present this data including key insights into substances used, risk behaviours, and peer communication strategies. Using the survey feedback, we are further refining Sesh.ed content, with plans to add videos and expand to other social media platforms, further boosting outreach and engagement
Peer survey data and social media for harm reduction messaging
Linda Cowan | PARTi Project Worker, Thorne Harbour Health
Linda Cowan is a harm reduction specialist with extensive experience in research, peer outreach, and engagement. She leads the Sesh.ed Instagram initiative, creating inclusive resources, social media content, and conducting program evaluations through surveys and community engagement to advance evidence-based practices and health promotion for LGBTQIA+ and drug-using communities.
Ben Yonson | PARTi Project Worker, Better Health Network
Ben has worked in harm reduction as a peer educator since 2018 as a member of Harm Reduction Victoria’s DanceWize program. With education in Community Development & fueled by a passion for drug education and community building he now focuses on policy and advocacy at HRVic and the PARTI project at Better Health Network.
Credited Persons
Liam Neale | Pharmacotherapy Case Manager, Better Health Network
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