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“Shared experiences, shared strength”: The power of peer support

Explore the benefits of peer support, where shared experiences and mutual understanding help reduce loneliness and build connections. 

Peer support
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For many people experiencing mental health challenges, isolation can feel all-consuming. The weight of loneliness, combined with the stigma that often accompanies mental health, can make the simple act of leaving the house seem daunting.

Yet, for those who participate in peer support groups, this isolation can be transformed into connection, mutual support and emotional relief. These groups offer a place to be heard and a community where people feel safe, understood and valued. 

the power of a safe space 

At Change Mental Health, peer support groups are delivered across Scotland and have become lifelines for many. Peer support has become a core element of our work, providing people with a safe, judgement-free environment. The absence of judgement is, in fact, a common theme shared by participants of those groups.

In Castle Douglas, service users at our resource centre highlighted the importance of being in an environment where they felt safe expressing themselves. Jack Durham, a Project Worker in Castle Douglas, said: “The centre bears no judgement towards people. People feel safe in the environment and feel they are understood. Everyone in the group agrees that the mutual understanding of other people’s struggles can be reassuring and creates a positive bond between all group members.”

The resource centre is open multiple times a week, with daily open drop-in sessions allowing those referred to the resource centre to come over without prior notice to socialise, engage in activities or enjoy a cup of tea. For many, these drop-in hours are a vital part of their weekly routine, offering an opportunity to socialise where they might not otherwise have. “Causal conversation can be enough for some people,” added Jack. “Having a cup of coffee and a chat about the weather, for example, can provide members with the ability to share their thoughts and improve their confidence.”

Similarly, our resource centre in Stranraer provides structured activities alongside a flexible, welcoming social group. With a timetable of available activities and social outings, the centre creates a space where people can come together without the pressure of engaging in specific tasks, simply enjoying each other’s company and breaking the isolation of everyday life. “I feel it is a safe space to talk and get advice or be signposted to the right support,” said one participant.

Participants at our Hearing Voices peer support group in Fife expressed a similar sense of safety, which is especially important for those experiencing hallucinations or sensory disturbances. “Sometimes people may not wish to contribute, their voices may tell them not to or they don’t feel like sharing, which is fine too,” explained Lee Hutton, an Outreach Worker for Hearing Voices. This level of acceptance allows participants to engage on their own terms, breaking down communication barriers.

reducing loneliness
and boosting confidence
 

The Women’s Group in Fife also creates a space for women using our services in Fife to connect. Regular attendees emphasised how weekly meetings can give them something to look forward to. One participant noted that “the group provides a safe space to talk things through and helps me to get out of the house and meet new people.”  

 “Many of our group members experience social isolation and loneliness. The group offers a safe space to mix with people with shared experiences.

“Some people have low self-esteem or lack of confidence. The group can address this by being supportive and encouraging them to take part in the activities.” 

Moira Duncan, Resilience service Outreach Worker

In the Hearing Voices group, the normalisation of experiences such as hallucinations has been transformative. “The peer group is able to support each other and goes a long way to normalising the condition. They don’t feel as isolated and have a commonality that they can safely share with each other and not feel judged, as they often are in society,” shared Lee. This validation has helped individuals manage their condition more effectively while reducing stigma. 

In Stranraer, participants noted that their greatest challenges were the fear of stepping out of their comfort zone and the fear of the unknown. However, they added, “Having reassurance from peers and staff has allowed us to try new things. We listen to each other and we feel listened to by the Change Mental Health team.”

shared experiences and mutual support 

At the heart of every peer support group is the concept of shared experiences. For those facing mental health challenges, knowing that others have similar struggles can be comforting. In Stranraer, one participant shared with Laura Rogers, Project Worker, their experience with peers after they returned from a hospital stay: “Her peers greeted her with concern, offered hugs and provided advice and reassurance. Her face lit up and you could see she was happy.”  This simple act of kindness made a huge difference to her recovery. 

In the Hearing Voices group, many participants deal with the societal stigma surrounding their condition. Lee shared: “The peer group members feel judged by people who haven’t experienced psychosis. That’s why group discussions are always open and honest, people can contribute or listen. They share coping strategies with each other, but most of all it is the safety of being with your peers who understand their daily struggles.” 

Antony’s experience with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) highlights the value of shared support. Referred to The Signature Project, a Change Mental Health service based in Edinburgh that supports men with PTSD, Antony reflected on his recovery journey: Everybody is different and we all have different needs, but I think we all have a profound need to feel accepted, safe and that they can trust those around them.” You can read more about his journey here. 

Moira emphasised how peer support builds trust and confidence in a way other forms of support may not: The group offers an opportunity to meet with people who have a similar experience, to share their journey- some might be further down the road and this offers hope to others starting their journey.” This sense of encouragement and shared achievement is a foundation of peer support, allowing participants to grow together and offer each other strength in times of difficulty. 

The impact of this shared experience has been especially profound for the Women’s Group in Fife, led by Moira. One participant shared, “Getting together with others, sharing experiences while having a chat and a laugh makes me feel less isolated.”  

a model that works 

What sets peer support apart from other forms of mental health support is its non-clinical, informal nature. Participants often feel more at ease because they are surrounded by others who have walked a similar path. 

“Peer support happens naturally when you create a space where people feel valued and listened to,” shared Heather Adamson, a Carer Support Worker who facilitates a carers group in Fife. “I feel lucky that I get to witness the smallest sparks of connection grow into meaningful, reciprocal (and quite honestly life-changing) support and friendship.” 

“Peer support is non-clinical: people feel more at ease because they see the person who has been in a similar situation to themselves,” Annabel Smith-Ashmore, Project Worker in Stranraer added. This comfort allows for open conversations that might feel harder in more formal settings. Service users have commented that “no one is clock-watching like it feels in other appointments,” which creates a more relaxed environment where people feel they can express their true feelings. 

Heather further explained how peer support offers opportunities that go beyond emotional support: Many friendships have grown and blossomed from the group and new members are welcomed in with compassion and empathy but never pity. Having that empathy, knowledge and support from people in the same boat, past, present or current, offers strength and provides something invaluable that we cannot get from anywhere else.”  

Lynne Penman, who runs the Hearing Voices groups together with Lee, added: “Accessing peer support may not change the outcome for some people, but discussions take place where others have had similar experiences and help re-assure a person that lack of support is not because of them or their illness, but a national crisis due to lack of resources.”

In a world where mental illness is stigmatised and often leaves people feeling alone, peer support groups provide a lifeline a reminder that no one needs to navigate their mental health journey alone. Peer support succeeds thanks to empathy and shared understanding: qualities that are difficult to replicate in clinical settings. 

support

Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.

Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.

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