Tokenistic or genuinely effective? Exploring the views of voluntary sector staff regarding the emerging peer support worker role in mental health

Abstract

Aim Peer support worker (PSW) roles are gaining recognition internationally as a valuable component in mental health service delivery. The aim of this study was to explore the views of mental health voluntary sector staff regarding the emergence of this role. Method A qualitative research design was used. A purposive sample was employed. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 staff members in various positions in two voluntary mental health organizations. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically. Results Views varied on the PSW role with some participants stating that it was tokenistic, whereas others highlighted the value of its contribution. Participants' expressed concerns regarding professional boundaries and organizational cultural challenges that PSWs may encounter in their role. The provision of reasonable adjustments was recommended as an integral support mechanism. Conclusion Successful integration of the PSW requires careful consideration of the role, the workplace environment and the unique needs of the peer, to prevent the role becoming constrained and diluted. Implications for practice The PSW role may impact the traditional delivery of mental health nursing services. It is therefore essential that nurses are cognizant of these potential challenges to successfully facilitate the integration of PSWs in practice.

‘Walking the tightrope’: The role of peer support workers in facilitating consumers’ participation in decision‐making

“…() as the distinctive quality of relationships between PSWs and service users and described by Kilpatrick et al . (, p. 504) as a ‘service in its own right’. Empowerment was emphasized by interview participants in relation to multiple strategies, including facilitating meaningful contributions, using the lived experience to provide hope, promoting rights and advocacy, and building relationships and communication.…”

“…In this study, the term PSW is used to refer to people in paid employment as a PSW whose lived experience of mental illness provided one of the main qualifications for employment (Kilpatrick et al . ; Simpson et al . ), as has been established in Australia for some time.…”

“…In modern times, peer work in mental health services has been identified as an essential and valuable component of service delivery (Kilpatrick et al . ; Simmons et al . ).…”

“…PSWs draw upon their personal experiences of mental ill health and recovery, to provide hope and walk alongside people currently experiencing mental health problems as they pursue their own recovery journey (Kilpatrick et al 2017). In addition, PSWs engage in a range of activities to progress mental health services and ensure they are responsive to consumer feedback (Vandewalle et al 2017).…”

Interwoven histories: Mental health nurses with experience of mental illness, qualitative findings from a mixed methods study

“…; Kilpatrick et al . ). Mental health outside of work was a key theme in the interviews we undertook with nurses who had personal experience of mental illness.…”