Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other.
Forms Of Peer Support
Forms of peer support include:
community groups
mentoring
befriending
self-help groups
online communities
support groups.
Support is based on sharing experiences and agreeing a reason for meeting. How you choose to meet up or connect with people is very flexible and depends on your personal preferences. Peer support can improve your emotional health, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
A vital part of peer support is mutual respect; peer support aims to help both those giving and receiving support. Everyone’s experiences are treated as equally important, so you might find this gives you a different experience to more traditional support options.
Talking to people who have been through similar challenges may:
help you to talk about what you are feeling and experiencing
help you share suggestions for coping techniques and support options
introduce you to ideas and approaches that have been helpful to others
reassure you that you’re not the only person who has felt like this
increase your self-esteem and confidence over time
help you see how common mental health problems are, and that everyone experiencing them deserves support
provide a sense of belonging to a community of people with similar experiences
give you a safety net to turn to at difficult times or if you’re at risk of crisis
What kinds of peer support are there?
help you to find support that’s right for you
help you feel more empowered about your own wellbeing, if you feel disillusioned with the support you’ve received so far.
The support was mutual. When I was going through a low patch, I often received reassurance and kind words.
Making Sense Of Peer Support
We will do our best to address any individual needs or barriers you foresee to accessing peer support.
If you have any concerns or would like to discuss your support needs in more detail please contact us using the details given below.
For more information please click on the following links.