Peer Support has benefits for peer support workers themselves, increasing levels of self-esteem, confidence and positive feelings that they are doing good. Peer-support workers often experience an increase in their own ability to cope with mental health problems.
Peer support networks help create a safe, caring and inclusive space for people to connect with peers. ... They can also increase peoples' sense of belonging and positive mental health by fostering meaningful relationships. Other positive effects of peer support networks include: leadership opportunities.
Peer Support Specialists strive to empower individuals to achieve their hopes, dreams, and goals, and connect them with their personal recovery journey. A Peer Support Specialist is a person who has walked the path of recovery from mental illness to assist others in their journeys of recovery.
“A peer provider (e.g., certified peer specialist, peer support specialist, recovery coach) is a person who uses his or her lived experience of recovery from mental illness and/or addiction, plus skills learned in formal training, to deliver servicesin many settings to promote mind-body recovery. I founded the network to assist people who are impoverished, receiving Social Assistance, Homeless, those with Mental Health issues, and Addiction. I saw a need for understanding regarding systems, resources, connected partnerships, community conversations, a seat at the table with stakeholders to provide first hand knowledge regarding what is a global issue. I sit on a Coalition, Steering Board, a City Hall Housing Committee, and attend Innovative Workshops rethinking the future of the community, neighbourhoods, connections, methodology, and many more events, and training to understand and apply in action the benefits and opportunities the majority don't have access to. i love talking about what achievements my city has made to involve the community I support. The community has over 11
+yrs taught me many things about what they need, how to be connected, and how to communicate with people who have barriers. I have been blessed to be able to remove some of the barriers and advance the communities voice.
I look forward to our connectedness, and the conversations at the conference. Sincerely Margaret Richings (Social Innovation is my thing)