People's Views on Health Related Peer Support Groups

We organised a forum to further explore people’s views on health related peer to peer support type activity. A number of organisations and groups who use this model were invited, along with the general public, to share their views and experiences.

Summary:

42 people attended the forum of which most had previously been involved in peer support groups.  The key findings from the forum are as follows:

  • Individuals felt that peer groups helped them stay connected to others, the community and reduce social isolation.
  • The groups help individuals to build confidence and self-esteem.
  • These groups provide safe spaces in which individuals can share their experiences.
  • There was an overwhelming view that peer support groups help enhance well-being, recovery and improve mental health to help individuals self-manage/care.

Conclusions:

  • Attendees had overwhelmingly positive views about, and experiences of peer support.
  • People had very clear views around what makes a good peer support group.
  • Individuals running groups are very willing to share experiences, good practice, knowledge and work together in order to best support attendees.

A number of recommendations were made following this report including a strive for all primary and secondary care providers to make referrals to relevant peer support groups were they exist.

Downloads

For the full report, click on the link below:

People's Views on Health Related Peer Support Group

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