What is Peer Support?
Though there is not one specific definition of peer support there is a broad understanding that peer support is when two or more people with similar lived experience connect to learn, share, support and grow together. Peers do this through a combination of skills, knowledge and personal experience.
As staff we agree to practice these values in every interaction we have with the people we serve, volunteers, all staff and the communities that work in.
Hope
We hold the belief that things can get better. We never give up and we educate people that no matter how bad things seem, if you take one step at a time, things will change for the better.
Empowerment
We enhance personal growth and inner strength while motivating, inspiring and guiding ourselves and peers into action. We encourage others to reach their full potential by allowing them to find their inner strength.
Integrity
We practice honesty at all times - personally and professionally. We operate using moral judgement, character and leaderships values and do things in a fashion of respect and professionalism.
Recovery
We believe that individuals who have suffered from mental health challenges can go on to lead successful fulfilling lives. We see individuals grow when they seek out information and utilize the resources offered. Individuals regain their sense of self by taking control of the things which previously seemed beyond their control.
Mutuality
Regardless of our job title, we are all equal and thus treat each other with dignity and respect. We respect the validity of every individual’s experiences, thoughts, opinions, and feelings, even if they are different than our own.
PRPSN Values
Organizational Definitions
Peer support workers are people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking a successful, sustained recovery process.
Peer support is an evidence-based practice for individuals with mental health conditions or challenges. Both quantitative and qualitative evidence indicate that peer support lowers the overall cost of mental health services by reducing re-hospitalization rates and days spent in inpatient services, increasing the use of outpatient services. Peer support improves quality of life, increases and improves engagement with services, and increases whole health and self-management.
