Peer support training: values, achievements and reflections

Watson, Emma; Lambert, Marissa; Machin, Karen

doi:10.7748/mhp.19.9.22.s20

Cited by 11 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Given that their practice may not be orthodox or part of the organisational culture (particularly in traditional mental health services), it is imperative that additional courses be developed to support staff and organisations with the implementation of recovery (Watson et al , 2016). When mental health service staff develop the capacity to understand the person as a whole entity and appreciate the context in which that person sits, a culture that values the lived experience is cultivated (Harris and Fallot, 2001).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The stepped model of peer provision practice: capturing the dynamics of peer support work in action

Zeng

Chung

2019

JMHTEP

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose In recent years, the employment of peer providers (PPs) has grown with the wider acceptance of lived experience expertise in recovery-oriented service provision. Although its effectiveness, theoretical foundations and factors influencing outcomes have been studied, a framework accounting for the dynamics of the PP–peer relationship has yet to be formulated. The purpose of this paper is to employ a qualitative approach to explore the journeys undertaken by PPs with their peers and form it into a cohesive framework of understanding. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were conducted with PPs who were employed specifically to use their lived experience in supporting someone through mental distress. These interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded using a framework approach. To enhance rigour, this framework was verified with the latter author and three other participants recruited after data analysis. Findings A stepped model of peer provision practice was crafted to capture the non-linearity of recovery, as well as the PP–peer relationship. This model is founded upon trust in the milieu of shared experience and involves: creating a safe place – a stage of building trust and rapport to a point where a PP is given permission to enter into their peer’s headspace; a working partnership – stage of setting and working towards goals collaboratively; and stepping out – a stage marked by the termination of the PP–peer relationship. Originality/value This paper proposes a tangible framework underpinning the dynamics of peer provision practice, which furthers our understanding and complements current practice models in peer provision services.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The stepped model of peer provision practice: capturing the dynamics of peer support work in action

Zeng

Chung

2019

JMHTEP

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Reciprocity and interdependence in peer interactions is important, and supportive relationships are more effective when they are reciprocal, with the giving of support being inseparable to the process of receiving support (Arndt & Naudé, 2017;Camara et al, 2015). One of the key elements of success in peer support environments for mental health and wellbeing is the mutual giving and receiving of support, the sharing of emotions with others who have had similar experiences (Solomon, 2004;Watson et al, 2016).…”

Section: Reciprocitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“In this place we have found sisterhood”: perceptions of how participating in a peer-group club intervention benefited South African adolescent girls and young women

Duby

Verwoerd

Appollis

et al. 2021

International Journal of Adolescence and Youth

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A combination sexual and reproductive health (SRH) intervention for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), implemented in South Africa 2016-2019, included facilitated peer-group clubs designed to build AGYW self-esteem, foster supportive peer networks, and provide SRH education. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with AGYW who had participated in peer-group clubs, club facilitators, teachers and intervention implementers. Perceived benefits of participation in peer-group clubs included increased peer support, self-esteem, and gender empowerment, access to safe spaces, improved ability to access emotional support, and positive role modelling, which in turn contributed to improved well-being and mental health. Findings show that peer-group club interventions can be successful in promoting self-esteem, well-being and perceived social support amongst AGYW in South Africa. Given the protective role that social support and mental health have on positive SRH outcomes for AGYW, it is critical that combination interventions incorporate relevant and effective components.

show abstract

“…The list of identified facilitators presented in Table 5 may thus be useful to organisations considering the implementation of peer support, or who wish to audit their current peer support practice, in conjunction with other resources published in the field (e.g. Basset, Ryan, Repper, & Watson, 2012; Peer Worker Research Team, 2015; Repper et al, 2013b; Watson, Lambert, & Machin, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Providing mental health peer support 1: A Delphi study to develop consensus on the essential components, costs, benefits, barriers and facilitators

Burke

Pyle

Machin

et al. 2018

Int J Soc Psychiatry

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: While formalised mental health peer support is on the increase, there continues to be a lack of consensus regarding the peer supporter role. Aim: The aim was to develop consensus on the essential components, personal costs, personal benefits, barriers and facilitators involved in providing mental health peer support. Methods: The Delphi method was used. In the first round, an exhaustive list of statements pertaining to peer support was generated from literature review and consultation with experienced peer supporters. In the second round, 147 UK peer supporters rated statements online or via post, and completed a questionnaire about experiences of providing peer support. Criteria for consensus were applied. Where there was uncertainty, statements were re-rated. Descriptive statistics and group comparisons were calculated. The final statements were grouped thematically. Results: Consensus was reached on statements pertaining to essential components (n = 67), personal benefits (n = 21), barriers (n = 1) and facilitators (n = 35). Formal peer support involves many skills and competencies. Most participants agreed that a wide range of personal benefits come with the role. Organisations may facilitate peer support through their values, actions and oversight. Approximately half of the sample worked in public services and were more likely to have concerns regarding pay and career progression. Conclusion and Implications for Practice: Results define the peer supporter role and add to the knowledge base about optimal conditions for it to thrive. Recommendations are made regarding role development and career progression, and future research to better understand personal costs and benefits.

show abstract

Peer support training: values, achievements and reflections

Cited by 11 publications

References 0 publications

The stepped model of peer provision practice: capturing the dynamics of peer support work in action

The stepped model of peer provision practice: capturing the dynamics of peer support work in action

“In this place we have found sisterhood”: perceptions of how participating in a peer-group club intervention benefited South African adolescent girls and young women

Providing mental health peer support 1: A Delphi study to develop consensus on the essential components, costs, benefits, barriers and facilitators

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About