What is peer mentoring ?

“My Nurse knows everything by the book, but my Peer Mentor knows 100% from living it”

‘Experts by Experience’ - Peer mentoring is described as the process by which an individual shares their lived experience of mental health issues with others who may be new to that experience. For example, in NHS mental health services, peer mentoring involves individuals with experience of mental health issues being part of services that support those experiencing difficulties with mental health.

Peer mentoring aims to increase feelings of hope and empower service users in their recovery, supporting and walking alongside individuals, modelling a recovery focused journey. It is based on three main principles including having a shared partnership; being able to learn from one another; and empowering people through a strengths-based and recovery focused approach.

Peer Mentors provide a wide range of structured activities to include: social leisure activities, vocational and educational programs to promote and support individual well-being. Through sharing the knowledge from own lived experience, Peer Mentors aim to inspire hope and belief that a positive and meaningful life is possible in others.

There are also increasing numbers of well-established volunteer and paid peer mentors working divisionally and we’re delighted to say that the Adult Directorate are planning to expand peer roles further across clinical teams and have plans to make these roles permanent.