Peer Support Lunatics taking over the asylum?

2 Contents  Concept  Evidence  Practicalities  Reflections  Q&A

3 Definition “Relationships built and nurtured through shared experiences. People who have liked experiences can better relate and can consequently offer more empathy and validation.” (Sherry Mead)

4 Levels of Peer-Ness Peers in existing posts Peers in created posts Peers in outside agencies Supported peer efforts Peers in mutual support

5 Evidence of benefit  For Service Users ○Increased independence ○Increased empowerment ○Increased self-esteem ○Greater sense of acceptance

6  For System ○Reduced length of stay ○Reduced admission rate ○Reduced readmission rate ○Cost saving Evidence of benefit

7  Scotland Evaluation ○80% service users said that having a PSW helped my recovery ○90% service users said that a PSW could relate and understand better than a typical MHP ○94% would recommend PSW service to a friend Evidence of benefit

8 Practicalities  Training for the peers ○Listening ○Story Telling ○Trauma ○Boundaries ○Empowerment ○Problem solving

9 Practicalities  Space and time for clinical teams ○Being open and honest ○Allowing uncertainty ○Facilitating open discussion and debate

10 Personal Reflection

11 Any Questions? Martyn Illingworth