Peer Support, Supporters, and those Supported Peer Support, Supporters, and those Supported Your State AgrAbility Project Peer Support Training Date Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and their Families

Learning Objectives To increase understanding of peer support To recognize the personal traits, characteristics, and value of peer support volunteers To understand the benefits of peer support for the volunteers and the recipients

Definition PEER (pir) n. 1. A person who has equal standing with another, such as in age, gender, disability, and life experiences 2. Archaic. A companion; fellow A Peer is someone who may or may not be like us in obvious ways, but is someone with whom we share a basic humanity, uniqueness, or experience

Attributes of a Peer Support Volunteer Positive attitude and regard for self others Genuineness Empathy Respect Acceptance of differences Intention to be of service to another

Personal Characteristics and Skills Listening from the heart  Keeping an open heart  Willing to be touched by another  Willing to engage with another person's emotions

Personal Characteristics and Skills Speaking from the heart  speaking authentically  honest self-expression Acting from the heart in service to another person  acting based on compassion, caring, and an intention to be of service to another

What is Peer Support?

Peer Support… A system of giving and receiving help founded on key principles of respect, shared responsibility, and mutual agreement of what is considered to be helpful.

…Is Empathy Understanding another’s situation Sharing experiences of emotional and psychological challenges Offering understanding and support

…Is Listening Sharing one’s story with a good listener Having one’s story validated by another

…Is Supporting Providing emotional support Encouraging the person to find ways to solve problems - safely

…Is Learning Independence Affirming ideas and plans of action to solve problems Modeling successful coping strategies Developing a healthy relationship to grow into being healthy and independent again

Peer Support Can Help individuals improve functioning Increase life satisfaction and restore self-esteem Restore self-esteem Provide healthy interactions with others and reduce isolation Increase optimism about the future and help a person reach personal goals

Peer Support Can Provide a safe place to gain information and express concerns Offer companionship, friendship, and a sense of community Offer reassurance and help person decrease uncertainty and anxiety

Benefits for Peer Support Volunteer A feeling of self-worth and accomplishment comes from contributing to the well being of another and the community “Inspiring” others often inspires the Peer Support Volunteer Interpersonal and communication skills are improved Satisfaction comes from seeing a peer achieve a greater level of independence and self-sufficiency

Benefits to the Peer Supported Receives encouragement to plan ahead, problem solve and take sensible risks Often is motivated to do things previously thought as impossible Observes a positive attitude and healthy coping strategies to  become involved with community life  deal with red tape  make modifications or accommodations to work and home  learn self-advocacy skills

And…. Acquires a role model who enhances self-worth and provides a sense of identification by reducing isolation and separation.

The concept of Peer Support has been used with…. Blind people Women with breast cancer Expectant mothers Alcohol and drug addictions People in conflict Students with disabilities Victims of abuse Parents of sexually abused children Individuals with AIDS Amputees

…a farmer/ rancher who has worked through the hardships of acquiring a disability and has come through more optimistic, independent, still farming! An AgrAbility Peer Support Volunteer is…

Why AgrAbility Peer Support? “Rural residents rely on neighbors, family members, and friends to meet many critical needs.” “Rural residents are less likely to ask for help from formal services than urban residents.” More than 80% of rural residents reported helping a neighbor

The AgrAbility Peer Support Volunteer will… …informally talk or meet with a farmer or rancher with a disability to listen and to share experiences and information.

Promoting Success in Agriculture for People with Disabilities and their Families