Meet Lachy Hartup - Lived Experience Peer Support

Getting to Know You (Lachy Hartup)

What inspired you to pursue support work?

My own lived experience. I’ve spent years navigating systems that didn’t always know how to support people like me, and I know how isolating that can feel. Support work, for me, is about showing up differently - walking alongside people, not trying to “fix” them.

Why did you choose to join T & K Support Services specifically?

T & K genuinely lives the “Identity Before Diagnosis” mindset. It’s not just words - it’s how people are supported. That’s something I connect with deeply because it reflects my own journey and values.

What do you enjoy most about working in the disability/support sector?

The connection. Being able to support people facing similar challenges to what I’ve experienced and building real, honest relationships - that’s what matters most.

What do you hope to contribute or achieve in your role at T & K?

I want to continue using my lived experience to support others navigating complex mental health and neurodivergence, and help create spaces where people feel understood, not judged.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I’m a neurodivergent advocate and emerging peer worker, living with ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar. I’ve experienced psychosis and hearing voices, and I’ve spent years working through systems that weren’t always built for people like me. My journey hasn’t been easy - but it’s shaped who I am today.

Do you have experience in a particular area of support?

My experience is grounded in mental health and neurodivergence, especially supporting people with complex needs. I work as a peer support worker, using lived experience rather than textbook knowledge.

What skills or strengths do you bring to the team?

Honesty, relatability, and the ability to connect on a real level. I bring lived experience, empathy, and a grounded approach that helps people feel seen and understood.

What’s something unique about you that others might be surprised to learn?

I’ve rebuilt my life after a near-fatal suicide attempt in 2020. It wasn’t a quick recovery -it’s been ongoing - but it gave me purpose and a drive to support others going through similar experiences.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

Music is a big one for me - especially drumming. It’s where I find release and identity.

How do you like to unwind or spend your weekends?

Spending time with my family and getting into music—anything that helps me stay grounded and connected.

Do you have any passions, creative outlets, or side hustles?

Drumming in the hardcore punk and heavy metal scene - it’s a huge outlet for me.

Favourite food, movie, or music artist – go!

Music-wise, anything heavy-hardcore punk and metal all the way 🤘

What personal values guide your work with participants?

Respect, honesty, and seeing the person beyond the diagnosis. People aren’t their labels- they’re individuals with stories, strengths, and potential.

What does community inclusion and empowerment mean to you?

It means people being able to show up as themselves, without being reduced to a diagnosis, and having real choice and voice in their lives.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned from working with participants?

You don’t need to have all the answers - you just need to show up. Real support comes from connection, not control.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?

Somewhere with a solid music scene and good energy.

Coffee or tea – or both?

Coffee ☕️

Spirit animal or star sign?

More of a “go with the flow and figure it out as you go” type.

What’s a small thing that makes your day better?

Music or a genuine conversation.

What are you most looking forward to in your time at T & K?

Continuing to grow as a peer worker and being part of a team that actually walks the talk when it comes to person-centred support.