About Peer Support
Peer support refers to initiatives where people meet as equals to
give each other support on a reciprocal basis. "Peer" means
that each person has no more expertise as a supporter than the other
and their relationship is one of equality.
(Adapted from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_support,
July 7, 2008)
Other terms commonly used to describe a group of individuals coming together to share a common experience are self-help, mutual aid and mutual benefit. There are many different interpretations of these terms and they are often used interchangeably. At PeerNetBC, we believe the term "peer support" as defined above best describes our approach to working with groups.
A great diversity of peer support groups flourish in our communities. Some focus on education and information, some on emotional support and sharing; and still others focus on providing opportunities to share experiences, socialize and form friendships. People join peer support groups out of curiosity, out of desperation, or simply because they know that finding support from others who have "been there" is a powerful way to heal or come to terms with one's circumstances.
Common characteristics of peer support groups:
Sharing Equal Status
Ideally, a peer support group operates with all its members committed
to equal involvement and a shared responsibility for group tasks and
maintenance. Input from each person is valuable. There is a common
ground in sharing the same experience or concerns and, in this way,
everyone is the same.
Giving and Receiving
There is a give and take attitude among group members. Each individual
has the opportunity to receive support but also to offer support to
others. People benefit just as much from helping as from receiving:
participation enhances confidence and self-esteem.
Wisdom from Experience
The knowledge and understanding people gain from experiencing something
is valuable and different from that gained from study or research.
The practical information and emotional insights gained from a shared
experience are both useful and comforting for group members.
Benefits of using a peer support approach include:
| · | validates people's experience | |
| · | reduces isolation | |
| · | provides opportunities to give and receive support | |
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allows people to work together at individual, organizational and community levels | |
| · | nurtures social support networks and supportive communities | |
| · | encourages participation in community development |
Peer support and a peer support approach do NOT:
| · |
"treat" an illness or a problem. However, peer support often complements professional or other forms of therapy, treatment or assistance that individuals may receive. | |
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advise people how to solve their problems. Rather, peer support gives individuals the opportunity to be self-determining in response to their own life experiences. Each person is empowered to find their own unique way forward. | |
| · |
take away the problem. Instead, members of peer support groups share stories, strategies, activities and information. | |
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help people who, for whatever reason, choose not to participate or require more support than what group members can offer (i.e. in times of crisis). | |
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help everyone with every kind of problem. On the contrary, peer support groups are successful when they assist people who share a common experience or concern. |
What can you expect with peer support?
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Groups vary in their form and activities. They may be more social, involve field trips, offer educational experiences, focus on talking or check-ins, or centre on community advocacy or education. | |
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Groups can have different leadership structures, operating by consensus or by voting. There may be a leader or coordinator, or leadership tasks may rotate. | |
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Groups can be open or closed to new people. For example, some groups run in set cycles (working through a 12 weeks curriculum, for example) and thus accept new members only at the start of each cycle. | |
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Groups are free or involve a minimal contribution to help cover basic costs. | |
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Professionals may be involved in the start-up phase or to act as resources or facilitators for the group. |
