PEER SUPPORT SERVICES
Peer support offers mutual aid and support between people who share similar experiences, such as mental health disabilities or substance use disorders. Peer support can take many forms.
Who are Peer Support Specialists?
Peer support specialists are individuals who have successfully recovered from a mental health condition or substance use disorder and help others who are currently experiencing similar challenges. Peer support specialists provide non-clinical support based on their own lived experiences.
There are Many Benefits to Peer Support Services, Including:
Improved well-being: Peer support can help people improve their well-being, which can lead to fewer hospital stays, better self-esteem, and larger support networks.
Reduced isolation: Peer support can help reduce social isolation and connect people with others who share similar experiences.
Increased hope: Peer support can help people gain hope by connecting them with others who have gone through similar experiences and come out the other side stronger.
Improved coping skills: Peer support can help people improve their skills for coping with challenges.
Increased empowerment: Peer support can help people feel more empowered and in control.
Better understanding of a condition: Peer support can help people gain a better understanding of a disease and their own experience with it.
Practical feedback: Peer support can provide practical feedback about treatment options.
Access to resources: Peer support can help people learn about health, economic, or social resources.
“When I needed someone to walk beside me, peer support was there.” — Steve
For more information about peer support, talk to you clinician or case manager.
