what is peer support

Peer support is a process of giving encouragement or assistance to overcome a challenge in life by someone with lived experience of recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both. Peer support workers provide non-clinical, strengths-based support and are "experientially credentialed" by their own recovery journey. They help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support workers may engage in a wide range of activities, including advocating for people in recovery, sharing resources and building skills, leading recovery groups, mentoring and setting goals, and providing services and/or training. Peer support workers practice in a range of settings, including peer-run organizations, recovery community centers, recovery residences, drug courts and other criminal justice settings, hospital emergency departments, child welfare agencies, homeless shelters, and behavioral health and primary care settings. Peer support can take many forms, such as support groups, self-help groups, face-to-face, on the phone, or online. Research shows that peer support can improve peoples well-being, meaning they have fewer hospital stays, larger support networks, and better self-esteem, confidence, and social skills.