Article

Evaluating the selection, training, and support of peer support workers in the united kingdom

Details

Citation

Simpson A, Quigley J, Henry S & Hall C (2014) Evaluating the selection, training, and support of peer support workers in the united kingdom. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 52 (1), pp. 31-40. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20131126-03

Abstract
This article describes the preparation, selection, training, and support of a group of people with lived experience of mental distress/illness and mental health service use to work as peer support workers (PSWs). The PSWs were recruited to provide support alongside conventional aftercare to service users discharged from acute psychiatric units in London, England. Training was delivered over 12 weekly, 1-day sessions from April to July 2010. Supervision and support were provided by a peer support coordinator and a training facilitator. The overall view of the training by those who went on to work as PSWs was that it was a valuable, challenging, yet positive experience that provided them with a good preparation for the role. A key area for improvement concerned the strength of emotional involvement and feelings PSWs had for their peers, especially in regard to ending the support relationship. Skilled, sensitive supervision and support is essential for the success of such roles.

Journal
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services: Volume 52, Issue 1

StatusPublished
Publication date31/01/2014
Publication date online04/12/2013
Date accepted by journal05/11/2013
PublisherHealio Slack Journals
ISSN0279-3695