A peer support group is a regular gathering of men and women with the lived experience of mental illness . Usually once each month, these individuals come together, overseen by a trained peer support specialist or facilitator, to talk with one another about their experiences, struggles and challenges.
How does peer support work?
Peer support is the “ process of giving and receiving encouragement and assistance to achieve long-term recovery .” Peer supporters “offer emotional support, share knowledge, teach skills, provide practical assistance, and connect people with resources, opportunities, communities of support, and other people” (Mead, 2003 ...
What is peer support in the workplace?
Peer support is an effective way in which employees can manage their wellbeing and mental health in the workplace . By ‘peer support’ we mean employee’s offering support to one another in a mutual space in the workplace. Peer support enables employees to talk to others who have a shared experience.
What are the 4 tasks of peer support?
- Connection. We pay attention to “magical moments” when we seem to “get” each other. We look for areas of shared energy, interest and engagement. ...
- Worldview. We listen to understand and explore. ...
- Mutuality. We share power and responsibility. ...
- Moving Toward. We focus on what we can create together.
Is peer support effective?
Peer support is an evidence-based practice for individuals with mental health conditions or challenges. ... Peer support improves quality of life , increases and improves engagement with services, and increases whole health and self-management.
What are benefits of peer support?
Research shows that peer support can improve people’s wellbeing , meaning they have fewer hospital stays, larger support networks, and better self-esteem, confidence and social skills.
How long does peer support last?
Once certified, a peer specialist must earn at least 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 2 years to maintain his or her certification. The program is administered according to the policies in the Via Hope Certified Peer Specialist Policy and Procedure Manual.
What is the role of a peer?
Peers, or a group of people who have similar interests, age, background, or social status, serve as an important source of information, feedback, and support to individuals as they develop a sense of self . Peers help socialize an individual by reinforcing or punishing behaviors or interpersonal interactions.
What makes a good peer support worker?
The key element to being a peer support worker is having relevant lived experience for the service you wish to work in , wanting to support others going through similar experiences, and being able to receive training on how to work with people to do this.
What is peer support model?
Peer support provided by a group of people without the backing of any national resources . It is mostly peer led and voluntary rather than being facilitated by a paid for third party. An example is a singular peer support group, run only by its own members that has no formal legal status.
What is the intention behind intentional peer support?
Intentional Peer Support is a way of thinking about and inviting transformative relationships . Practitioners learn to use relationships to see things from new angles, develop greater awareness of personal and relational patterns, and support and challenge each other in trying new things.
When was intentional peer support developed?
Intentional Peer Support was developed in the 1990s . Since then, thousands of people in various countries around the world have been trained in the material.
What are the principles of peer support?
- 1 WORK WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE AT. be creative in how you. engage young people. ...
- 2 INVOLVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE. think carefully about mentor. and mentee recruitment. ...
- 3 FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS. build trust to create space. ...
- 4 ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE’S OWNERSHIP. collaborate, co-design, ...
- 5 BE SAFE AND BOUNDARIED. ensure mentors are.
Does peer support make a difference?
Peer support workers can help break down barriers of experience and understanding , as well as power dynamics that may get in the way of working with other members of the treatment team.
Why peer support is very important in an organization?
Peer support is a safe place for an employee who is struggling to speak with someone who has experienced a similar issue. The role of the peer supporter is to encourage the individual to reach out for effective help and promote hope, empowerment and recovery .
What are the core values of peer support?
- Peer support is voluntary.
- Peer supporters are hopeful.
- Peer supports are open minded.
- Peer supporters are empathetic.
- Peer supports are respectful.
