What are the best practices for using peer support in recovery-oriented practice and person-centered care?

2 Foster a culture of recovery and respect

Another best practice for using peer support is to foster a culture of recovery and respect in the service setting and the community. This means creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where people can share their stories, strengths, and challenges without fear of stigma, discrimination, or judgment. It also means respecting the diversity, autonomy, and choices of people who use peer support services, and honoring their preferences, values, and goals. A culture of recovery and respect can also promote collaboration and partnership among peer support workers, other service providers, and people who use services.

3 Use evidence-based and promising practices

A third best practice for using peer support is to use evidence-based and promising practices that have been proven to be effective and relevant for people with mental health and substance use challenges. Examples of such practices include Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), which is a self-management tool to plan and monitor wellness and recovery goals, Intentional Peer Support (IPS), which focuses on mutual learning, connection, and growth among peers, Hearing Voices Network (HVN), which is a peer-led movement that supports those who hear voices or have other unusual experiences, and Peer Respite, a voluntary, short-term, non-medical alternative to crisis services with peer support workers.

4 Evaluate and improve the quality and impact of peer support

A fourth best practice for using peer support is to evaluate and improve the quality and impact of peer support services. Evaluation can help measure the outcomes and benefits of peer support for people who use services, peer support workers, and the service system. Evaluation can also help identify the strengths and weaknesses of peer support services, and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. Evaluation can be done using various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or case studies. Evaluation should involve the participation and input of people who use peer support services, peer support workers, and other stakeholders.

5 Support the professional development and wellness of peer support workers

A fifth best practice for using peer support is to support the professional development and wellness of peer support workers. Peer support workers need ongoing training, education, and mentoring to enhance their knowledge, skills, and competencies. They also need opportunities to network, learn, and share with other peer support workers, both within and outside their service setting. Peer support workers also need to take care of their own mental health and well-being, and access the resources and supports they need. Supporting the professional development and wellness of peer support workers can help them maintain their recovery, motivation, and satisfaction.

6 Engage in advocacy and social change

A sixth and final best practice for using peer support is to engage in advocacy and social change. Peer support can be a powerful force for challenging stigma, discrimination, and oppression, and promoting human rights, social justice, and social inclusion. Peer support can also be a catalyst for transforming the service system and the society to be more recovery-oriented, person-centered, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of people with mental health and substance use challenges. Peer support can engage in advocacy and social change at various levels, such as individual, organizational, or systemic, and using various strategies, such as education, awareness, or policy.

7 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?