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
