Setting up or refreshing peer support
When setting up a new peer support group, there are lots of things to decide about how you'll run your group. This page signposts you to useful resources about setting the focus of your group, leading and facilitating, types of membership a group can have, and getting support for your group.
How to set the focus of a group
Explains how to set the focus of a group. Also explains the different focuses a peer support group can have, including:
- A social focus
- An educational focus
- A focus on a specific activity
- A focus on sharing mental health experiences
How to lead and facilitate a group
Explains the benefits of leadership training. Also explains the different types of leadership a group can have. These include:
- Peer or non-peer leadership
- A designated leader
- Collective leadership
- Having a paid or voluntary leader
Types of group membership
Explains the different types of memberships you might allow for your group. Covers key decisions you'll need to make, like:
- Whether to include carers
- Whether someone has to be at a certain stage of recovery
- Whether people need a common characteristic or identity
Getting support for your group
Explains the types of support you might want to get for your group, like:
- Practical support with venues, materials or technology
- Support with making sure the group is a safe space
- Training and supervision for peer leaders
