Peer Support Workers
a training, support, and supervision program
Peer to Peer Wellbeing Support
“When I enrolled for this role, I thought that it will be all about supporting my colleagues. However, during the training sessions I realised that it is also fully designed for my own wellbeing; an aspect that I would have probably left in the background”
The client and the challenge
The client
A nationally and internationally renowned UK hospital serving over 40.000 inpatients and 230,000 outpatients a year. The hospital has over 60 clinical specialities and receives patients from all over the UK and a small percentage of overseas patients.
The challenge
The initial challenge emerged as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic and specifically prioritised ensuring and maintaining staff mental health and wellbeing
The program
We designed the program in consultation with an Associate Medical Director and a Consultant Psychologist.
As part of a multi-layered team-oriented structure of provision within the organisation’s existing wellbeing service it needed to be innovative, evidence-based, and demonstrably effective from the outset.
Two phases
The program had two phases: Becoming a PSW and Being a PSW.
Over a period of four months, sessions were held every four weeks for multiple cohorts, with 20 participants in each cohort.
An additional two training sessions were added for cohorts where participants had received no previous PSW training.
Throughout the program, each two-hour session was followed up via
- moderated, closed and private, social media using Facebook and WhatsApp
- weekly practice partner conversations
- an emailed program booklet
Outcomes – data and feedback
In the anonymous feedback survey following the program
- 100% of participants improved (43%) or significantly improved (57%) their confidence to be Peer Support Workers
- 100% of participants improved (14%) or significantly improved (86%) their listening skills
- 100% of participants improved (71%) or significantly improved (29%) their sense of belonging
- 100% of participants scored the programme 5 out of 5
In the words of some of our PSWs
“This program has been so helpful, learning how to engage with someone who is struggling and feeling confident about the best questions to ask. The practice sessions are extremely helpful. I am confident to promote my role as PSW to others. I have seen first-hand the benefits my conversations have had”
“The program was tremendous. I learnt a lot from the program as well have been able to support colleagues too”
“This is an amazing opportunity; I wish this had been introduced years ago. The coaching skills should be rolled out to all mangers in the Trust as these are skills that do not come naturally to some”