Just a peer finding my way in a crisis house

Published date12 June 2017
Date12 June 2017
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-03-2017-0009
Pages191-194
AuthorCarlina May Whitmore
Subject MatterHealth & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion
Just a peer finding my way in
a crisis house
Carlina May Whitmore
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share reflections and key learning points from the experience of
offering peer support within a crisis house setting.
Design/methodology/approach A reflective account of experiences of offeringone-to-one peer support
and the learning that has been taken from these experiences.
Findings Key reflections centre on the importance of being emotionally honest and supporting personal
well-being while offering peer support.
Originality/value While there is a great deal written about the theory of peer support work, few first
persons accounts of peer working have been published. This paper provides important insights into the
nature of peer support work.
Keywords Crisis, Peer support, Personal account, One to one
Paper type Viewpoint
There is no rulebook on how to be a peer, no solid list of things to do and say when people are in
crisis and certainly no manual on how to build relationships and connect with our fellow humans.
Two years ago, I embarked on my journey into the world of peer support at Haven House,
Nottinghams brand new six-bed crisis service. I stepped into Haven House feeling I knew
everything about being a peer (I didnt), I thought I was prepared (I wasnt) the truth is that out of
the safety of the training room I felt lost, however I quickly found my feet and established my own
way of working. I am in no way suggesting this is an approach others should follow, this is just my
approach and my personal experiences of being a peer support worker in a crisis house.
Keep it simple and you will blend in fine
It was my 1st week in the h ouse and everyone se emed to have a job to do, a r outine of
paperwork, support plans, risk assessments, and numerous other tasks were being handed
out left right and cen tre. Meanwhile I felt as though I had done litt le more than float aro und
wondering what I wa s meant to be doing. I would have been moreth an happy to partake in the
mandatory routines of the house but it was decided my role would be different and I would be
free to mould it.
I was bombarded with questions from my colleagues what is a peer? What is your role? What
do you do?In my mind, all I heard was What makes you different to the rest of the teamand all
I felt was I needed to justify my existence in the house. I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb, the
token mad woman that didnt quite fit in. I answered with definitions of peer support and huge
chunks of my story which all too often left me feeling over exposed and I hadnt really answered
the question. I quickly realised a simple reply would be enough and so I settled on I have a lived
experience and give support.
And so, I became accepted, I was a valid member of the team.
Now that I had mastered introductions how would I approach the guests?
Carlina May Whitmore is based
at the Framework Housing
Association, Nottingham, UK.
DOI 10.1108/MHSI-03-2017-0009 VOL. 21 NO. 3 2017, pp. 191-194, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308
j
MENTALHEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
j
PAG E 191

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT