A day in the life of a Peer Support Worker: training day

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of being a peer support worker: a day providing training for new peer support workers.

Design/methodology/approach

A reflective personal account of a day in the authors work sent as a trainer on a peer support worker training course.

Findings

The critical value of co-production. Training is not about an “expert” imparting their wisdom – the answers are in the room. To provide training is to continue to learn.

Research limitations/implications

One person's account of their experience of providing peer support worker training.

Practical implications

Modelling that which is valued rather than simply telling people. A recovery focus must extend to colleagues as well as the people we serve.

Originality/value

While there is a great deal written about the theory of peer support work, little is published about peer support workers experience. This paper provides important insights into the nature of peer support work.

Citation

Watson, E. (2014), "A day in the life of a Peer Support Worker: training day", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 116-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-06-2014-0018