PEER

SUPPORT
What do Peer Supports do?

Peer supports can draw upon their

own lived experiences to provide
authentic support for people
reaching out
Give encouragement
Offer emotional support
Share knowledge/Teach skills
Provide practical assistance
Connect people with resources,
opportunities, other
supports/services, and people
Improves mental health symptoms
Decreases hospitalization (Fill gaps within a health system, however
does not replace the role of a health care professionals)
Creates a wider support network
Enhances self esteem and social function
Increases hope, control and ability to make change
Increases sense of community and belonging
Engages people into care
Reduces need for emergency services
Builds capacity and empowers
Improves coping skills
Benefits
Provides a safespace
Provides companionship
Characteristics of a Good
Support Person

Good communication
Active listeners
Trustworthy
Engaging
Supportive
Compassionate
Problem solvers
Leadership skills