Lived Experience, Lasting Impact: The Power of Peer Support | Blog

What is Peer Support in mental health?

Peer Mentors have a lived experience of mental health challenges and will talk openly about their own experiences and recovery. They are able to offer support through shared understanding and empathy offering hope and coping strategies. It’s a valuable non-judgemental support that provides people with a safe space to share experiences and feel less alone. This can also help with reducing isolation, building confidence and empowering people to take control of their recovery.

Where is support offered?

Peer Support can be accessed through Wellbeing Suffolk NHS Talking Therapies, before during or after the support you may receive from a therapist.

One of our Peer Support Workers shares their insight into the Power of Peer Support:

1. Were there key moments or people who inspired you to turn your experiences into a way of helping others?

Due to numerous challenging life events, there was a period in my life where I was receiving support for my own mental health recovery, as well as waiting for an assessment from an Adult Community Mental Health Service, which eventually transpired to me receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult.  As part of my support, I attended groups which was based on self-guided support with the emphasis of chatting about our own experiences of our struggles, and how we got on with the practice in between the sessions. I initially said nothing, however, very quickly I could see the benefits in chatting and being proactive in practising of our learning. As my confidence grew, I started to communicate (something which I had been told that I had always struggled to do) with members of the group. One member of the group was very angry with the world, as his wife has sadly died from cancer. However, in one session we had a chat during the break, and he told the facilitators in a joking way that he “loved this man” (me!). I can still remember those words today, as I was not saying much, simply listening! Soon afterwards, in one of the sessions we had to consider what we valued about ourselves, I could not think of anything, but I have always wanted to help others. Over the following 18 months or so, through self-guided support, and 1-1 counselling my interest in mental health and autism started to grow into something meaningful and maybe I could use what I had learnt to help others and use what I value about myself as a career. So, this is what I did! 

2. How is peer support different from other kinds of mental health support (like therapy or clinical care)?

I would consider that the main difference is that peer mentors will lay out the sessions in a non-clinical way. Peer support will differ in that we will share our lived experiences, while clinicians will have tighter boundaries in what they can personally share with the person they are supporting. Peer support is ‘walking alongside that person’ and sharing relatable experiences such as the recovery journey, the unknowns, challenges, engagement in treatment, and passing on any tips, advice, and resources. Importantly, allowing the person the space and an outlet where they can talk about their concerns that they may not feel comfortable sharing with others. Peer support offers hope and motivation as we can be seen to have recovered and or are managing our challenges and moving forward in life in whatever direction that happens to be.

3. What changes have you seen in people when they feel truly heard and understood by someone with lived experience?

I have lost count on the number of times someone has said to me “It’s nice to talk to someone who understands”, or “It’s nice to know that other people have gone through something similar to me” and “I am not odd and different to others then!” The changes I notice firstly is the voice; there is a distinct lift in energy. I notice hope as they mention something positive about their future, whether it is a short-term or more of a long-term goal. It is nice when people tell me that they feel they have learnt something in our sessions, and they intend to build on this. There have been times when the person will speak to their partner and loved ones about what we have chatted about, so they start to communicate more. So, for me, I understand that people will still have obstacles to navigate, but I feel sharing my lived experience will hopefully enable people to have a sense of hope and a potentially a clearer sense of direction.

4. How do you take care of your own mental health while supporting others?

I try to incorporate elements of the Five Ways to Wellbeing into my week. For example, before work I read about nature and practise 10 minutes of meditation. After work I like to go to the gym, and I am a member of a running club. At the weekends I run and go to nature reserves and spend time with my mum. I also like to paint when I can. I have recently became interested in philosophy and psychologists, even though I understand very little, it is helping me to reflect upon different thinking patterns which is helpful. During the working day I try not to drink too much caffeine and understand that it is important to eat and to take breaks and not work too many extra hours. I am not perfect at this, but I am aware when this is slipping and am mindful of rectifying this. Regular catchups with others and chitchat in the office I find helpful. I am also supported in the workplace and can ask for support if needed. Even though I support others, I am very reflective on my own needs and will seek therapy or support when I can sense the need. I feel that supporting others is always a reminder to take care of myself, as I will often reflect upon the notion of ‘practise what I preach!’

5. What personal strengths or skills have you discovered through doing this work?

Importantly for me since I have been a Peer Mentor, I have received an autism diagnosis and received support for this and OCD. The discovery of this has become my strength because I have become more resilient with my mental health.  In addition, I feel that my communication and listening skills have improved. I have surprised myself working within this role on how much I can achieve by learning how to manage my higher levels anxiety whilst at work. I never thought I would ever be able to communicate with others in such a meaningful way to be able to help them.