Evaluation of a peer support specialist led group
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-03-2018-0012 |
| Published date | 11 June 2018 |
| Date | 11 June 2018 |
| Pages | 141-148 |
| Author | Amber Taylor,Gemma Dorer,Kate Gleeson |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
Evaluation of a peer support specialist
led group
Amber Taylor, Gemma Dorer and Kate Gleeson
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and NHS practitioner
co-produced “Enabling Recovery”group that supports service-users’recovery whilst providing pathways for
appropriate transition from mental health teams.
Design/methodology/approach –The sample included 23 service-users (f ¼10, m ¼13) with a range of
mental health conditions. The evaluation set out to assess how the attendeesexperienced the group and the
impact of the group on subsequent contact with services. The design involved a content analysis of focus
groups and groupevaluation forms; an assessment of directand indirect contacts made inthe three months
prior,and following, thegroup; and a record of the numberof discharges and referralsmade followingthe group.
Findings –Group content and social contact were rated as most helpful and cognitive demands and
paperwork as least helpful. Number of direct and indirect contacts significantly reduced, four attendees were
discharged due to improved mental health and 17 began accessing third-sector/community organisations.
Research limitations/implications –Future evaluations could seek feedback from service-users who
disengaged from the group and indirect contacts could be broadened to include service initiated contacts.
Practical implications –Findings suggest that PSS and NHS Practitioner co-produced group interventions
are effective in reducing service demand and increasing service-user satisfaction.
Originality/value –This paper adds a novel contribution to the PSS literature offering support to the utility of
co-produced PSS interventions in an NHS setting.
Keywords Peer support, Mental health, Recovery, Social inclusion, Psycho-educational groups
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Peer support is defined as a reciprocal process of giving and receiving help founded on the key
principles of collaboration, respect and shared responsibility (Mead et al., 2001). Although peer
support has been a recent focus of local and national policy agendas, the concept of service-users
supporting one another is not novel (Shaw, 2014; MIND, 2013; Implementing Recovery through
Organisational Change, 2014). Peer mentorship is visible across a range of services and contexts,
including alcoholics anonymous and the hearing voices network (Escher and Romme, 2012;
Shaw, 2014). Following a drive to provide access to peer mentorship in mental health services, some
NHS trusts have employed “Peer Support Specialists”(PSS). With less focus on psychiatric models of
care, PSS are recruited under the rationale that their lived experience of mental health difficulties offers
them a unique ability to empathically understand another’s situation (Mead, 2003). Although the way
this support is offered varies trust by trust, it involves the PSS working alongside service-users to help
develop an understanding of what recovery looks like including developing coping strategies, staying
well plans and signposting to community services (Davidson et al., 1999; Forchuck et al., 2005).
The Journey to recovery is likened to a process of change where new meaning, resources, goals
and aspirations are discovered, and utilised, to help the individual live a valued and satisfying life
(Perkins et al., 2012). Several internal and external factors have been identified in the facilitation of
recovery including awareness of the impact of mental health difficulties, insight into how
change can occur, determination to recover, self-management skills and having others believe
recovery is possible (Corrigan et al., 1999). Contact with PSS appears to assist in this process,
Amber Taylor is Trainee Clinical
Psychologist at the School of
Psychology, University of
Surrey, Guildford, UK; and
Surrey and Borders
Partnership NHS Foundation
Trust, Leatherhead, UK.
Gemma Dorer is based at the
Assessment and Treatment
Service, Sussex Partnership
NHS Foundation Trust,
Worthing, UK.
Kate Gleeson is based at
the University of Surrey,
Guildford, UK.
DOI 10.1108/MHSI-03-2018-0012 VOL. 22 NO. 3 2018, pp. 141-148, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308
j
MENTALHEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
j
PAG E 14 1
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