|
This unique and distinctive service was developed by NHS Lothian, Penumbra and the Scottish Recovery Network with funding from the Scottish Executive’s Social Inclusion Division as part of a new initiative designed to improve services for people experiencing multiple and complex needs.
Piloting a peer support approach in Craigmillar in Edinburgh, an area of multiple disadvantage, offers a new and innovative approach to service access. Local information suggests that there are many people in the area who experience quite considerable mental health difficulties and related life problems but who receive little support.
The service involves the employment of peer support specialists on the basis of their own personal lived experience of recovery. This approach, in allowing peer workers to contribute or ‘give back’, not only helps promote the recovery of people engaging with the service but also promotes the recovery and inclusion of the peer support workers who, like the majority of people who experience long-term mental health problems may experience problems in securing employment and the exclusion that can often entail. Research has shown that when people identify with others who they feel are like them, the feel a connection which in turn creates an environment where individuals can share suggestions and tips for recovery with each other, and try out different strategies, with the support of their fellow peers.
Click here to download the Plan2Change leaflet.
For further information, please contact either Bob Goupillot or Andrew Smith on 0131 661 4086 or email bob.goupillot@penumbra.org.uk or andrew.smith@penumbra.org.uk.
|
