“She gives me wings!” – peer support helps transform lives across Southwark

30 October 2023

Mental health services in Southwark are being enhanced thanks to peer support specialists who use their lived experience to help people with mental health needs.

Over 40 peer supporters have been trained to work alongside clinical and social care teams in Southwark. They support 112 service users, offering over 130 hours of peer support a month.

Research shows that peer support can improve service users’ well-being, meaning they have:

• larger support networks
• better self-esteem and social skills
• fewer hospital stays (for any reason)
• better health outcomes

Peer support can also be a pathway back into work or a change in career following mental ill health. Volunteers often go on to become paid peer mentors. Many mentors have used their experience to go on to full-time positions as support workers.

Peer supporters at Southwark Wellbeing Hub and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) are volunteers. Peer mentors linked to Southwark Council are paid.

Cheryl has been a peer mentor with Southwark Council for 12 years. She took up the role at a time when she was being supported to get back into employment. She said: “The role allowed me to make a difference in the lives of others while taking care of my own mental health. I was able to work flexible hours, have one-to-one supervision, and be part of a peer mentor group. I was able to learn new skills while using the ones I already had.

“What I enjoy most about being a peer mentor is meeting people right where they are in life, accepting them, and then supporting them to help them realise their potential, in order to make the most of their lives. They grow their confidence, which enables them to do much more than they ever imagined. It helps ease their anxiety which allows them to see more clearly what they need to do for themselves.”

The length of support varies across services, from 12 weeks to ongoing long-term support. It can take place in the service user's home, at the service or within the community. Support can be delivered one-to-one or in a small group.

Tomas became a peer supporter with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust when he realised he could help people who have similar issues to him. He said: “Peer support is great when one can meet with another who has a similar shared experience and realise that life continues despite any setbacks.” Shakir has been supported by Tomas since April 2023. He said: “I enjoy being out in the sun right now and I would have been too anxious to come out on my own.”

Magdalena, a peer supporter at Southwark Wellbeing Hub, said: "With respect and compassion, we empower individuals on their journey to better mental wellbeing and independent lives, guided by their knowledge, experience, and creativity ensuring that people's futures are not defined by their past."

Cllr Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Peer support is proof that healing is possible. Peer supporters inspire hope, while relating to the struggles of the people they help. In this way, they offer a kind of reciprocal support other specialists cannot. My heartfelt thanks to all our peer supporters – each one of you is doing crucial work to embrace, empower and uplift.

“We are proud to have such a strong network of peer support in Southwark across the voluntary sector, the council and the local NHS. The impact of its success is broad; better access to support, new career paths, and improved health outcomes for people with mental health needs.”

Cllr Akoto joined an event on 27 October to celebrate and give thanks to peer supporters in Southwark. A report was launched at the event, co-produced by the services, clients and peer supporters. It aims to build on the success of peer support in Southwark so far.

To receive a copy of the report or to find out more about Peer Mentoring at Southwark Council, email Jessica.Hoult@southwark.gov.uk

To become a peer-supporter with Southwark Wellbeing Hub, visit www.together-uk.org/southwark-wellbeing-hub/volunteer-with-us/peer-supporters

To become a peer supporter with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), visit www.slam.nhs.uk/volunteering

Page last updated: 30 October 2023