How can you choose between group and individual peer support?

1 Group peer support

Group peer support can be a great way to connect with others who understand what you are going through, learn from their insights and strategies, and feel less isolated and stigmatized. Group peer support can also foster a sense of belonging, community, and empowerment, as well as provide opportunities for social interaction, feedback, and advocacy. However, group peer support may not suit everyone, especially if you are uncomfortable with sharing in a group setting, have difficulty finding a group that matches your needs and interests, or face barriers such as transportation, accessibility, or scheduling. Group peer support may also pose some challenges, such as managing group dynamics, respecting confidentiality, and dealing with conflicts or disagreements.

2 Individual peer support

Individual peer support can be a more personalized and flexible option, as you can choose a peer supporter who has a similar background, experience, or goal as you, and tailor the frequency, duration, and mode of your sessions to your convenience and comfort. Individual peer support can also allow you to build a more trusting and intimate relationship with your peer supporter, share more openly and honestly, and receive more focused and customized support and guidance. However, individual peer support may not be as accessible or affordable as group peer support, depending on the availability and cost of peer supporters in your area or online. Individual peer support may also lack some of the benefits of group peer support, such as exposure to diverse perspectives, collective learning, and social networking.

3 Factors to consider

Choosing between group and individual peer support is not an easy decision, as it depends on your goals, challenges, and preferences. It's important to consider your personality and learning style, needs and expectations, availability and resources, as well as feedback and evaluation when making this decision. Are you more comfortable interacting with many people or just one? Do you need more emotional or practical support? How much time and money can you invest in peer support? How do you measure the effectiveness of peer support? Thinking about these questions can help you decide which type of peer support is best for you.

4 Tips for choosing

When considering which type of peer support is best for you, it may be helpful to try both group and individual peer support to get a better sense of what works for you. Additionally, you can ask friends, family, or professionals for advice and referrals, and do research on the peer support services or groups you are interested in. Ultimately, the most important factor is trusting your instincts and feeling comfortable with your choice. Peer support can be a valuable source of support, so make sure to find what works for you and take advantage of the available resources.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?