Peer Support Workers

Linda Reid

Joyce Mouriki

Delivering for Mental Health

Commitment

Commitment 2 – We will have in place a training programme for Peer Support workers by 2008 with peer support workers being employed in 3 Board areas later that year.

What is peer support

Using personal knowledge and experience of a particular issue to help and support others who are experiencing that same issue.

Peer support and recovery?

Modelling recovery Importance of support from peers regularly cited Long standing demands for greater user involvement in

services Employs people with experience of mental health problems Gives an opportunity to contribute and ‘give back’ Powerful empathetic relationship Can promote better engagement and outcomes Impact on wider culture in service

Role and function

Partly defined by setting (options) ‘Model’ recovery and describe recovery process Use own recovery story in work Opportunity for service users to direct own care and recovery

processes Social and emotional support Based on developing knowledge of elements of recovery Ensure a forward looking wellness focus using recovery tools

and techniques (WRAP?) Advanced statements Particular role in transitions?

Edinburgh PSW

To assist service users to establish and maintain a meaningful and fulfilling life in the community, by being a role model/ facilitator using own ‘lived experience’ of recovery.

(EPSW) Responsibilities (extract)

To establish a supportive relationship with each service user, enabling them to maximise their own resources in order to improve their quality of life.

To deliver support as part of a support and recovery plan agreed with the service user, the referring agency, and Penumbra.

To share/teach coping and self management techniques.

(EPSW)Requirements

Experience Personal experience of recovery from mental health problems Experience of being in a supportive and enabling role

Skills

Ability to share personal story of recovery in a professional manner

Personal Qualities Non Judgmental respectful

Values and attitudes Belief that people can and do recover form mental health problems

(EPSW) Personal Attributes Positive attitude towards mental health

professionals Like working with a variety of people, and have

an appreciation of individuals’ unique values Good interpersonal skills, particularly the

ability to be warm and empathetic Respectful of another person’s right to refuse

help or change Ability to learn and work in a team setting

Source: Surrey Community Services 2005

The added value to peer recipients

Empathy “Been through the same as you” Mentoring “Can guide you according to their

experience” Trust Shared language and culture Equality of relationship Instil hope and self belief Doing something for themselves, not having

some-thing done to them

The added value to peer provider

Increase in self esteem Empowerment Opportunity to develop skills and use

experience Helper principle Employment Mutual relationship with peers

The added value to organisation

Promoting Change Learning Change mindset. Change values “Putting money where mouth is” – with

regard to involvement Expand the range of services

The impact

Studies suggest Larger social support networks Gains in quality of life and well being Enhanced self esteem and social functioning As effective, or more effective, than non-peer

provided services Reduced hospitalisation

Concerns

Role conflict, professionals’ anxieties Dual roles, especially as worker and service user Boundaries Confidentiality Shift of the locus of control Ensuring user leadership Stressful nature of the role

Challenge

You have a peer support worker joining your team, ward or service next month.

How would you ensure they were supported/ enabled to make the most impact?

How might you address current staff concerns?

Overcoming concerns

Planning in partnership Clarity of role (negotiated job descriptions) Agreed procedures and policies Training for peers Support and supervision Supportive organisation and team Open dialogue, training for team, organisational

development interventions

Content 16 Modules 3 Sections:

- Knowing Yourself

recovery, self esteem and self talk, meaning and purpose

- Preparing Yourself for Work

telling your story,employment as a path to recovery

- Skills Development

communication skills,conflict resolution, listening skills,

challenging situations

SE to use Meta accredited courses

Making it work

1. “Services must be aligned with consumer/service user objectives”

2. “Administrators and clinicians must “buy-in” to the recovery philosophy. Typical efforts to elicit this buy-in include exhortation, training, and organisational development interventions”. Sabin and Daniels, 2003.

3. Services must commit resources for the long term