How can you improve your peer support skills with evidence-based resources?

1 What are evidence-based resources?

Evidence-based resources are materials that are based on scientific research, best practices, and expert opinions. They can help you learn more about the topics, issues, and needs of the people you support, as well as the skills and strategies that can help you provide better support. Evidence-based resources can include books, articles, podcasts, videos, webinars, courses, workshops, toolkits, guides, manuals, and more. They can cover a wide range of subjects, such as mental health, trauma, addiction, diversity, communication, self-care, and ethics.

2 How to find evidence-based resources?

Exploring evidence-based resources is essential for those interested in peer support, depending on their goals and preferences. Peer support organizations and networks offer training, certification, advocacy, and networking opportunities, often through websites, newsletters, blogs, and social media accounts. Online databases and libraries are platforms that collect and organize various types of resources from different authors, publishers, and institutions. Professional journals and magazines feature articles, reviews, and commentary on the latest research developments in peer support and related fields. Generally, a subscription or membership is required to access the full content; however, some may offer free access to selected articles or summaries. Examples of these sources include the International Association of Peer Supporters, the National Association of Peer Supporters, the SAMHSA Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center, the National Peer Supporter Database, the PeerZone Library, the Journal of Peer Support, the Journal of Participatory Medicine, and the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.

3 How to evaluate evidence-based resources?

When evaluating evidence-based resources, it is important to consider the authority of the author, the currency of the resource, the accuracy of the information, the relevance to your purpose and audience, and its utility for your peer support work. Ask yourself questions such as: Who is the author or publisher? What are their credentials and qualifications? Is it current and up-to-date? Does it provide references to support its claims? Is it relevant and appropriate? Does it offer clear guidance and tips? Answering these questions can help you determine which evidence-based resources are most credible, relevant, and useful.

4 How to use evidence-based resources?

Using evidence-based resources is not just a matter of reading, watching, or listening to them; it is also a matter of applying, reflecting, and sharing what you learn from them. To use evidence-based resources effectively, you can apply the techniques, methods, or approaches that suit your style and context, observe the results and outcomes of your actions, and adjust and adapt as needed. Additionally, you should reflect on how the resource affects your peer support work and ask yourself questions about what you learned. Lastly, you should share what you learn with others who are interested or involved in peer support. Seek feedback from peers, supervisors, mentors or trainers; participate in discussions or forums to exchange ideas; and learn from and teach others.

5 How to balance evidence-based resources?

Evidence-based resources are not the only source of learning and improvement for peer supporters, nor the only source of truth and authority. In addition to evidence-based resources, personal experience, peer feedback, and self-care are all essential for providing effective peer support. Your own lived experience of recovery, resilience, or coping can help you relate to and connect with those you support. Additionally, feedback from peers and self-care are both necessary for recognizing strengths and weaknesses, celebrating successes and learning from failures, setting and achieving goals, managing stress, seeking help, and practicing gratitude.

6 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?