Is Peer Support to Client Matching important?

Yes - Peers choose their Peer Supporters as someone who they feel can support their goals and personal determination of needs. Lived experience itself is a like-community, however Peer Supporters and Peer Mentors own lived experience - whether as recovered from homelessness, addiction illness or mental health illness, jail/prison or experience of domestic violence, each Peer Supporter brings their unique skills and recovery journey to their Peer.

Though the vulnerable service sector requires a current police record check, the organization facilitates the record check and interviews the Peer Supporter on an individual basis along with professional and personal references accounting for their change and growth and length of recovery. The process of Client Matching is as much through rapport and connection as it is about other factors.

Do Clients have a say with who they are matched with?

Yes. In an interview, Clients will be asked about their access needs; particular age, gender identity preference, cultural preference or any other factors that they feel are important to note. Youth to senior can be an excellent client match - it is the Peer who chooses their supporter, and can ask to change supporters during service.

The initial meeting informs Peer Support services, and establishes rapport and connection. This meeting provides the opportunity to ask questions of one another, and about Peer Support itself before committing to the professional relationship. The Client has the right to refuse services in Client directed and centred care.

If the Client is happy to go ahead with one-on-one or group Peer Support a schedule and method of contact is arranged, and length of service is dependent upon current organizational funding and capacity.

How often will Mentors and Mentees meet?

The most effective Peer Support is once a week for at least an hour. More frequent Peer Support may be preferred, as long as suitable boundaries are maintained and this is a mutually agreed decision. Regular Peer Team debriefs and regular and trained Supervision of Peer Supporters create a successful collaborative approach in the Clients wellness journey.

Where will Peer Support take place?

Any setting you are both happy to meet can be chosen for Peer Support time that promotes confidentiality and safety. Peer Supporters create a welcoming environment for Clients, or Clients may wish to meet in their homes, by phone, text message, and virtually with safe internet access.

What do Peer Supporters Do?

The Client’s goals are self-directed. Peer Supporters actively listening to their Peers concerns, provide deep trauma informed care allowing process of the Client’s goals, and in moments of strategic sharing offer resources and supports to increase positive connection and relationship building.

Peer Support programs are mutual learning and empowerment environments discussing and engaging in activities of socio-educational benefit. A sense of belonging and involvement, and shared resources inspire, motivate and encourage further empowerment and autonomy. Peer participation evolves to co-facilitation and co-creation of programs building skills and advocacy.