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The mechanisms underpinning peer support: a literature review
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 28(6), 2019, pp.677-688.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: The employment of Peer Support Workers, who themselves have experience of significant emotional distress, can promote recovery at an individual and organisational level. While research examining the benefits of peer support within mental health services continues to grow, an understanding of how, and through what processes, these benefits are reached remains under-developed. Aims: To review the published research literature relating to the process of peer support and its underpinning mechanisms to better understand how and why it works. Method: A scoping review of published literature identified studies relating to peer support mechanisms, processes and relationships. Studies were summarised and findings analysed. Results: Five mechanisms were found to underpin peer support relationships (lived experience, love labour, the liminal position of the peer worker, strengths-focussed social and practical support, and the helper role). Conclusions: The identified mechanisms can underpin both the success and difficulties associated with peer support relationships. Further research should review a broader range of literature and clarify how these mechanisms contribute to peer support in different contexts. (Publisher abstract)
A day in the life of a peer support worker: beginnings
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 19(4), 2015, pp.169-171.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose:The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the day-to-day challenges and experiences of a peer support worker. Design/methodology/approach: A reflective account of the experience of a first meeting with a peer, offering support through a series of difficult situations. Findings:Reflections are offered on the importance of relationships and overcoming feelings of disillusionment with mental health services. Originality/value:This paper adds to the small number of accounts of the experiences of Peer Support Working in mental health services and as such is highly original. (Publisher abstract)
A day in the life of a peer support worker: Graham
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 19(3), 2015, pp.114-118.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper describes the experience of being a peer support worker by drawing reflections from a working day. It is a reflexive account written from the peer support worker’s own perspective. Reflections focus on the "non-directive" element of peer support and the danger of making assumptions when supporting others and working with staff. (Edited publisher abstract)
A day in the life of a peer support worker: the ward reviews
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 19(2), 2015, pp.68-72.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and reflections of a Peer Support Worker over the course of a day working within mental health services. Design/methodology/approach: A narrative approach has been taken to structure reflections based on the experience of attending a series of reviews on an acute mental health ward. Findings: The experience of attending ward reviews creates reflections based on how this system affects and challenges both those who are served by it and those work within it. Originality/value: This paper adds to the small number of accounts of the experiences of Peer Support Working in mental health services and as such is highly original. (Publisher abstract)
A day in the life of a Peer Support Worker: one of those make or break visits
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 19(1), 2015, pp.12-16.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of being a peer support worker (PSW). Design/methodology/approach: Narrative account of a one to one meeting with a peer written from the perspective of a PSW. Findings: Key reflections centre on the importance of establishing and maintaining boundaries, the role of trust, and a different understanding of what constitutes risk. Originality/value: While there is a great deal written about the theory of peer support work, little is published about PSWs experience. This paper provides important insights into the nature of peer support work. (Publisher abstract)
A day in the life of a peer support worker: Melinda
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(4), 2014, pp.176-179.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper is to provide an insight into a day in the life of a peer support worker. It provides a narrative account and analysis of the boundary challenges and 'boundary issues' raised by work with a client. It includes a table which outlines the different boundaries held by those close to the client (her family and friends; her peer support worker; and her care co-ordinator). (Edited publisher abstract)
A day in the life of a Peer Support Worker: training day
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(3), 2014, pp.116-119.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
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 served. 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. (Publisher abstract)
A day in the life of a peer support worker: a visit
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(2), 2014, pp.59-60.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper provides an insight into a day in the life of a peer support worker (PSW). It uses a narrative account of a visit written from the perspective of a PSW. I provides an original viewpoint from the perspective of a PSW in a one-to-one setting, very little has previously been published using this approach. (Edited publisher abstract)
Round two in peer support – personal reflections
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice, 8(3), 2013, pp.159-162.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper follows on from “One Year in Peer Support – personal reflections” (Watson, 2012) in edition 7.2 of this Journal. Two further papers in that edition (Repper and Watson 2012a,b) provide background to the peer support project in Nottingham, within which the author is employed. Purpose: In April 2011, Nottinghamshire NHS trust created ten substantive peer support worker (PSW) posts following from a pilot project the previous year. Having learnt some valuable lessons from the pilot project, taking on new roles in in-patient settings involved development and learning from everybody involved. The aim of this paper is to provide an insight into this experience from the perspective of the PSW themselves. Design/methodology/approach: A personal narrative of the next stage of peer support is provided by a PSW employed by Nottingham NHS Trust. The learning journey, originally given as a presentation at Nottingham NHR Recovery demonstration day, is described in terms of the truths of peer support (PS). Findings: The role of PSW requires constant questioning, facing dilemmas and challenging situations. The second year of PS was a time in which the PSWs met these dilemmas and found their own solutions. The process has not been entirely easy for PSWs, all of whom have had to face situations, care settings and people that demand an unwavering focus on recovery and a compassionate understanding of each other as a team. Although the year has delivered challenges to the PS team, the process of learning from these and growing as a team has been highly rewarding. Originality/value: This is a unique personal reflection of the processes involved in developing a peer support relationship. This will be of interest to those planning to implement this process in the NHS or those who hope to work within a PS team. (Publisher abstract)
One year in peer support – personal reflections
- Author:
- WATSON Emma
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice, 7(2), 2012, pp.85-88.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
In 2010 Nottinghamshire NHS Trust recruited ten peer support workers (PSWs) to pilot the idea of including PSWs within the organisation. This is a personal narrative of the first year of the peer support programme from the perspective of one of the PSWs. As the first initiative of its kind the first year has been one of constant change and development. The author discusses some of the key lessons learnt in terms of the “do's and don'ts” of peer support. The reality of peer support involves constant questioning, facing dilemmas and challenging situations. Over the first year these were addressed by the peer support team as a whole and solutions were found together. The author emphasises that the process is not easy for PSWs, all of whom have had to face situations, care settings and people that have triggered difficult memories and led to reflection on their personal recoveries. However, she concludes that the hard work has brought rewards to the team and spurred them on towards the next stage of their own journeys. (Two related papers describe the recruitment process and the nature of the peer support itself).