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Peer support for employment: a review of the evidence
- Authors:
- McENHILL Libby, STEADMAN Karen, BAJOREK Zofia
- Publisher:
- The Work Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 30
- Place of publication:
- London
Reviews the evidence from eleven academic studies to explore how, and if, peer support is effective in supporting employment outcomes for people with long term health conditions and disabilities. The studies identified included support group-based peer support, one-on-one mentoring models and a work-based model, where peer support was offered by a peer adviser trained to provide support to colleagues. The review highlights elements of successful peer support programmes for employment. Direct outcomes considered in the studies include improved job retention, reduced sick leave, achieving a new job. Other outcomes included changes in participants; confidence, self-esteem and social skills. The review also identifies gaps in the existing research which include the relationship between direct and indirect employment outcomes and the costs of providing peer support versus the benefits. The paper concludes that although the evidence is at an early stage of development, it suggests that peer support can be a useful tool in achieving a range of employment outcomes - such as moving into work, returning to work after sick leave, and retaining a job - for people with a wide range of health conditions. (Edited publisher abstract)