Implementing a peer support programme in a regional mental health service: A personal journey

Abstract

Peer support is a well established component of many mental health services that provides a promising employment opportunity and recognises experience with mental illness as an asset rather than a liability. The overall aim of this paper is to discuss the challenges of implementing a peer support programme in a regional mental health service. In particular, the article discusses how the roles and functions of peer support workers have evolved and how challenges to service effectiveness were identified and overcome. The authors also examine the development of a related consumer companion role and consider the similarities and differences of peer support and consumer companion roles. Recommendations are made with respect to issues such as how allied health professionals views this role, what happens when peer support workers become ill and level of training and supervision.

Progressing recovery-oriented care in psychiatric inpatient units

“…Peer workers have assisted in developing an environment of hope, a sense of self and belonging and determination to recovery (Davidson et al , 2012; Vilic et al , 2016). They provide social and emotional support coupled with instrumental support to others sharing a similar mental health condition to bring about a desired social or personal change (Landers & Zhou, 2011).…”

“…Peer workers can provide input to the day-to-day operations of a ward through group work, individual sessions and/or participating in ward meetings (handover, case review). Inpatient groups facilitated by peer workers focus on discussing recovery and how to manage early warning signs and offering referrals to community-based clinical and peer support workers after discharge (Vilic et al , 2016). Alternatively, individual sessions may occur allowing discussions between two people with lived experience around strategies that may help service users to manage symptoms.…”

“…An example of this is the work by Foxlewin (2012) in influencing seclusion and restraint practices. To be successful, it is clear that a healthy peer model requires strong leadership, supervision and support (Davidson et al , 2012; Vilic et al , 2016). Gillard et al (2015) acknowledge that there are many barriers when introducing peer workers into established structured environments (such as inpatient units); however, when supported by the organisation and introduced as equal members of the team culture, change can be sustained.…”

“…Strategies on the ground need to be put in place that address the role of the peer worker, the unique needs of the worker and overall workplace environment to enable peer workers to provide meaningful psychosocial, emotional and practical support to inpatients (Moran et al , 2013). Training is required for peer worker supervisors to ensure that they understand the policies and practices with respect to confidentiality, role definition/scope and are equipped to set them in place and enforce them amongst their staff (Gates & Akabas, 2007; Vilic et al , 2016). It is absolutely necessary that regular supervision be provided to peer staff to ensure they are receiving the support and accommodation that they need to best meet their job requirements (Gates & Akabas, 2007), and a senior peer worker or external peer supervisor is appointed to provide professional supervision (Vilic et al , 2016).…”

“…The inpatient environment is one such setting. Peer workers are individuals with a lived experience of mental illness who identify themselves as such and who use their lived experience to support their peers during recovery (Tse et al , 2013; Vilic et al , 2016). Peer workers can play a pivotal role in progressing recovery-oriented practice reform.…”