Peer Support Work in Hospital: A First Person and Lived Experience Guide

Abstract

This article is a first- person and lived experience account on providing peer support in a mental health unit. The intertwining of process (a lived experience and first-person account by someone with schizophrenia) and subject (the therapeutic value of peer support) leads to greater knowledge and insight into peer support for people with mental health problems in an inpatient environment. It focuses on the meaning, value, processes, emotions, themes and outcomes of Peer Support Work. Ben has a diagnosis of schizophrenia and psychosis. Matt has lived experience as a peer support worker/ supervisor and team leader. This article is drawn from a co-produced and lived experience evaluation conducted by the Peer Support Workers (PSWs) as a Lived Experience Evaluation Team (LEET). The article finishes by highlighting barriers to peer support in psychiatric hospital and so provides a guide to challenges for prospective and current PSWs. It should be noted that this first-person account and lived experience article expresses the perspective of the first author (Ben). It does not necessarily reflect the views of the co-author (Matt), the Peer Support Team or the NHS Trust.