Peer Support in the Workplace

The course is suitable for you if:

• You are already providing peer support in their workplace and want to understand your role better.

• You are interested in becoming a peer supporter in the workplace but would like to better understand the role and what is expected from a peer supporter.

Key Themes explored in training:

• The role of a peer supporter and what it means to you.
• The skills and attributes that contribute to effective peer support.
• Supporting others using SALSA (Dorset Mind’s action plan for supporting individual’s mental health).
• How to have effective conversations with colleagues about mental health
• The role of shared lived experience through the peer support journey.
• How to establish and maintain boundaries in the peer support relationship.
• Your contribution to building a culture where individuals feel supported and empowered to proactively manage their own mental health.

Learning outcomes

Using the blended learning approach you will:

• Reflect on your own mental health journey.
• Recognise the potential positive impact of peer support.
• Explore your fears and concerns about the peer supporter role.
• Understand what peer support is (and isn’t)
• Identify the skills and attributes needed to be an effective peer supporter.
• Explore how to apply SALSA (Dorset Mind’s action plan for supporting individual’s mental health) in your peer support role.
• Explore the role of sharing lived experience throughout the peer support journey.
• How to use your personal experience to support and inspire others.
• Understand the purpose of sharing your story.
• Establish the parts of your story you are comfortable sharing.
• Determine the function of sharing lived experience before meeting, during initial meeting and as part of ongoing support.
• Develop your peer support communication skills including listening empathically and asking strength-based questions.
• Consider the boundaries and challenges of being a peer supporter.
• Become confident at signposting an individual to appropriate mental health support.
• Be better able to contribute to building a culture where individuals are empowered to manage their own mental wellbeing.