Proposed Symposium Title: Peer Provider have a Role
Learning Objectives: Why peer support work is critical to provide a person-centred mental health service
Abstract: Peer support work is a concept not yet fully acknowledge globally within mental health service delivery and for the value that peer support work contributes to the recovery of those receiving peer support services. Evidence has been clear on the multiple benefits of peer support work1-3, ranging from promoting choice and shared decision-making, facilitating empowerment, and ensuring that services that are offered are aligned with an individual’s needs, interests, will and preferences. Peer support work further instils hope, improves confidence and self-worth, advances overall health and wellbeing, and creates a conducive space for recovery. Apart from the benefits to both the person providing and receiving peer support services, the benefits extend much further and towards cost-effectiveness of mental health service delivery where peer support work and peer led initiatives play a complimentary role within a comprehensive services package that is person-centred, recovery orientated and within a human rights framework.
Key References or Resources: 1. Gooding, P., McSherry, B., & Roper, C. (2018). Alternatives to Coercion in Mental Health Settings: A Literature Review. https://socialequity.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/2898525/Alternatives-to-Coercion-Literature-Review-Melbourne-Social-Equity-Institute.pdf
2. Puschner B. Peer support and global mental health. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2018;27:413–4.
3. Pitt V, Lowe D, Hill S, et al. Consumer-providers of care for adult clients of statutory mental health services. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;3:CD004807.
