What is Peer Support?

The words ‘Peer Support’ are added to the title of many of our groups, but has it left you wondering what Peer Support actually is?

Following a facilitators workshop, our Adult Carer Advice, Information and Peer Support Worker, Alison (pictured), created a poem to help explain. She read this wonderful poem out to her fellow participants and has copied it for you here to help give you a better understanding.

Intentional Peer Support

Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking and the like

I know that it is now time for me to take the mic

A scary prospect I did think, I don’t want to take my turn

However I will brace myself and tell you what I’ve learnt

So the four tasks as we have been taught

Make up the elements of Peer Support

Let’s take them individually and I’ll tell you all my view

Of how all used together they can create a future new

First of all there is Connection, so what does that really mean?

A way of reaching others, to see and to be seen

To be with another in silence or conversation

The start of a relationship, the buds of a new creation

Next we move to Worldview, let me tell you what this means

It is to appreciate another’s view, and hear their beliefs and dreams

So we strive to be non-judgmental and appreciate others views

Who knows it might be possible that we will learn something new

Then we move to Mutuality, this is what make IPS individual

The relationship is reciprocal rather than one person giving all

The belief that we both benefit from being with each other

And from that comes trust and sharing as we learn from one another

The final task is Moving Towards, to focus on where you want to be

It doesn’t mean moving away from or stopping something (now I see!)

A journey built on hope and belief and welcome what the future brings

Knowing that together we have the strength to overcome so many things

By Alison

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Trying something new is always a bit daunting, so remember, you can find full details of our groups and activities here, but if you would still like to speak to a member of staff before coming along, don't hesitate to give us a call on 0202 8296 5611.