How can you combine peer support with other resources?

Oferecer programas educacionais ou de treinamento que incluam componentes de suporte entre pares. Isso pode incluir workshops, seminários ou cursos online onde os participantes aprendem juntos e se apoiam mutuamente.

In my experience peer support coupled with good Case Management and a Recovery Support Navigator can yield amazing results. Not only does it give someone a peer to bounce things off of, utilize ROSC and WRAP planning, it gives them the connections needed in early recovery, such as SNAP, housing, vocational training and more.

Many peer supports combine their training and knowledge of helping others along with their experiences in other areas of life. For instance, a peer support can be skilled in outdoor leadership and meet their peers in nature. There is a wealth of evidence of the health and spiritual benefits of time outdoors. Likewise, peer supports might be trained in experiential activities that can be share with the peers they serve. Again, there is a lot of evidence that shows that connections are easier to form and that peers are more likely to open up in shared activity. In addition, practicing meditation together is a value support for both the peer and peer support. It all comes done to what the peer wants for themselves on their journey.

Combining peer recovery support and case management services can offer numerous benefits to individuals in need of assistance with substance use disorder or mental health issues. Peer recovery support, provided by individuals who have experienced similar challenges and achieved personal recovery, offers unique empathy, understanding, and connection. On the other hand, case management services focus on coordinating and linking individuals to essential resources and services. By integrating these two approaches, a holistic and comprehensive support system can be established.

In my experience it is interesting to combine peer support with other interventions because the approach is usually complementary. Peer support promotes personal recovery as distinct from clinical recovery, which focuses primarily on symptom reduction and improved levels of functioning. Peer support programs, in general, are oriented to promote personal recovery in all its facets, especially connectedness, hope and optimism and empowerment. They also encourage shared decision making and support during personal recovery.

Combining peer support with other resources provides options to the peer being served. Peer supporters can also model healthy behaviors for engaging in other resources themselves. They can also model healthy risk taking and vulnerability. Peer supporters may even have additional training in areas that can be combined with peer support. They can be outdoor guides, group facilitators, meditation teachers, dance instructors, horse trainers, yoga teachers and more. Peer supporters ARE professionals. While they might not be licensed to provide diagnosis or treatment, they have first hand experience, requirements, training and, most often, a certification.

Combining peer support with other resources is going to depend on the peer supporter and the peer being served. The peer is always in charge of their own path. Listen to the peer to understand what their needs are. Research referrals to know what services they offer and how they match the peer's needs. Having established referrals available in advance is important. It takes expedites the process and takes the guess work out of the process. Don't be afraid to ask for help when the needs are outside of your skill set. And always stay in your lane!

Experiential Peer Support is a growing field. Peer supporters working in this field combine peer support with activities that offer time in nature, opportunities to learn new hobbies, social group connections and chances to have fun within the peer support relationship. Peer support can be much more than the narrow limitations set up by clinical settings.

Potential drawbacks, First, integrating these two approaches may require additional coordination and communication among different professionals, which can be challenging and time-consuming. Second, the availability of peer support services may be limited, depending on the resources and funding in a particular area. Finally, there may be differences in perspectives and approaches between peers and case managers, which could create conflicts or discrepancies in the support provided. Despite these challenges, with proper training, clear guidelines, and effective collaboration, these cons can be mitigated, and the integration of peer support and case management can still yield significant benefits for individuals seeking recovery.