This dataset contains references to 172 articles describing peer worker roles and activities across the service cycle in mental health and substance use services. These articles are the background material for the scoping review entitled: Peer Workers in Co-production and Co-creation in Mental Health and Substance Use Services: A Scoping Review. Articles are from 2010.01.01 to 2021.15.12. V2 fixed some typos. No significant changes related to content or categorization. (2022)