To read this content please select one of the options below:

The benefits of peer support: transforming day services in hard times

Elaine Mather (Deputy Chief Executive, based at Imagine Independence, Liverpool, UK)

Mental Health and Social Inclusion

ISSN: 2042-8308

Article publication date: 5 August 2014

185

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a voluntary sector organisation's work in transforming day services, based on peer support, in the face of major cuts in Local Authority funding and the requirement to provide “low-cost, high-impact services”.

Design/methodology/approach

A description of the challenges facing the organisation and the ways in which services were configured based on peer support.

Findings

The number of people for whom support was provided increased from 60 to 180 using the rich pool of talent present among peers/volunteers. Friendships developed to reduce isolation and across the provision a sense of hope and optimism was created.

Originality/value

Many services are facing substantial cuts. This paper offers a positive approach to addressing these based on peer support and use of community resources that may be of value to others facing similar challenges.

Keywords

Citation

Mather, E. (2014), "The benefits of peer support: transforming day services in hard times", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 151-154. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-07-2014-0019

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles