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WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT?

Peer support is a relationship in which people see each other as equal partners and where the focus is on mutual learning and growth. The key aspect of peer support is the shared understanding and lived experience, which creates a sense of connection and solidarity .
I know whenever one of my patients sees a peer support worker, magic happens
HIV Clinician​

Our trained peer supporters serve as role models for positive and healthy behaviour, guiding individuals to relevant services and providing them with accurate information.

At the core of peer support lies a profound hope and belief that by sharing experiences and offering support, we can transform our lives and our communities for the better.

Peers can be people with similar health conditions, and/or from similar communities or backgrounds, including people with shared identities based on their sexuality, gender, ethnicity or other characteristics.

Peer support is a two-way reciprocal relationship, benefiting both those providing and receiving the support. Benefits can include creating collective strategies to maintain health, building resilience and self-esteem and aiding advocacy and collective action.

Structured peer support is delivered by trained peer staff or volunteers, in either one-to-one or group settings. Trained peer supporters can model positive and healthy behaviour and signpost to services and appropriate information. The focus is on strengths and abilities, motivating and working to achieve agreed goals and improve or maintain quality of life.

I now see myself as someone who can support others. There is power in that.
Peer Support Trainee​​

What is the value of Peer Support?

The value of peer support in promoting people’s health and well-being is recognised by the NHS in the 5-Year Forward View. The NHS’s Realising the Value programme identified the role of peer support in enabling people with long term conditions, such as HIV, in contributing to “personal well-being and improved clinical outcomes,” resulting in cost savings to health and social care.

Within the field of HIV care, the BHIVA Standards of Care identify the value of engaging with peer support service. Futhermore, the NHS contracts for both adults and children’s clinical care highlight the significance of peer support in promoting self-management.

Peer support creates opportunities for both parties to grow and achieve a sense of control and empowerment. It can be formal or informal, and can range from strangers sharing experiences, to people within groups supporting each other.

When peer support is offered it helps reduce the cost of services, improves physical and mental health and lessens social isolation.
HIV Researcher

What is the history of peer support?

The history of peer support can be traced back to the 1980s, a tumultuous period characterised by limited understanding of HIV and widespread discrimination. During this time, courageous individuals formed small support groups, risking much to provide and receive assistance. These groups shared valuable knowledge and tirelessly advocated for access to treatment and proper care.

The foundation of HIV services owes much to the activism of these pioneers and their allies. Their grassroots efforts spurred movements for treatment accessibility, community advocacy, and initiatives to combat stigma and shape service delivery. Subsequently, programmes such as the expert patient programme, the dissemination of treatment information authored by individuals living with HIV, and policy lobbying organisations emerged.

Similar to the disabled people’s movement, HIV peer support carries a political dimension. It challenges discrimination, advocates for tailored and equitable services, and fights for access to treatment for all.

In simple terms peer support saves lives and health care funds
HIV Peer Support Standards Steering Group member

Peer support has transformed the doctor-patient relationship, moving towards a model that prioritises equality and consultation.

HIV activists enthusiastically embraced the Human Rights Act, exploring its potential application to HIV-related issues to challenge instances where rights were perceived to be violated. They successfully campaigned for HIV to be recognised within the social model of disability.

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