Peer Support must be mutually offered and reciprocal, allowing peers to benefit from the support whether they are giving or receiving it.
The system is built on strengths not weaknesses, working towards the individual’s wellbeing and recovery
WHO CAN BE A PEER SUPPORT WORKER?
Anyone who has experienced their own mental health problems and can draw upon this lived experience
PEER SUPPORT & THE RECOVERY COLLEGE
All the work of the Recovery College is 'co-produced' and 'co-developed, this means that it is essential for there to be a strong team of 'peers' working alongside the Recovery College staff.
Peer Supports work alongside Recovery college staff to plan and facilitate groups for the benefit of patients.
SO, WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT??
Put simply it is patients giving and receiving support from each other. It is seen as valuable, giving purpose to patients and promoting recovery to peers on both sides of the relationship.
Peer support may be practical or emotional, varying between contexts, situations and individuals. Peers can provide a different kind of support that may be beneficial alongside professional support
'Peer Support’ forms a large part of mental health care provision
HOW PEER SUPPORT HELPS
There is a large evidence base to support these types of peer support:
Increased:
wellbeing self-esteem independence equality mutuality empowerment acceptance solidarity empathy and understanding hopefulness; focus on strengths stigma and isolation
Reduce: 'other patients understand me. They know what I'm going through.'
PEOPLE'S COUNCIL
The Peer Support team has created the 'People's Council' in order to get patient voices heard. They meet once a month, with patient representatives from each unit and selected staff representation. You should be asked by your unit representative if you have any issues you want taken to the Peoples' Council.
The outcome of People's Council will be fed back both on the 'You Said' 'we listened' board in the HUB as well as directly from your representative'
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
Peer support workers also attend meetings with senior staff to take issues from patients which need response from management.