Duration: 2 Days
Delivery Method: face to face or virtual
Course Capacity: 16
Peer Support Practitioner
Peer Support – Helping you to support others
Course Description
Peer support is widely recognised as a valuable component of workplace wellbeing. Research indicates that individuals are often more inclined to confide in trusted peers rather than seek professional help early on. Trained peer supporters play a crucial role in promoting help-seeking behavior and offering comfort to colleagues facing challenges. In fact, the benefits of peer support go far beyond the workplace. Peer support networks have been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mental health, and increase overall satisfaction in life. By creating a culture of peer support, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.
Course Aims
To equip delegates with the knowledge and practical skills to work effectively as peer supporters within an organizational framework, enabling them to:
- Offer informed support to colleagues experiencing emotional distress.
- Encourage help-seeking behavior and foster confidence.
- Reduce stigma and advocate for recovery.
- Facilitate access to resources and support systems.
- Promote personal and organizational resilience.
This course includes scenario-based exercises designed to enhance practical understanding. Participants will learn how to approach individuals and apply active listening skills effectively. These exercises aim to build confidence in handling challenging conversations and achieving outcome-oriented solutions for individuals in need.
Course Content
- Understanding the purpose and principles of effective peer support
- Recognizing the qualities and skills needed for effective peer support
- Identifying obstacles to effective peer support and the importance of professional boundaries
- Developing communication and active listening skills
- Exploring models of intervention and conversation frameworks
- Building personal resilience and understanding common mental health disorders
- Understanding suicidal ideation
- Recognizing the effects of trauma
- Practicing skills through scenario-based exercises
- Emphasizing self-care, positivity, and protection
Accreditation
This course is fully accredited by the CPD standards Office and course time may be used against existing professional CPD requirements
