Aims
Competences covered in this unit:
Ability to draw on a working knowledge of:
- the range of mental health difficulties in people with whom peer support workers will be working
- mental health diagnoses (with the aim of understanding how diagnosis is used within the mental health system, and of supporting people [who wish to do so] to understand their diagnosis and its meaning for them)
- the ways in which people experiencing a mental health crisis may present
- the impact and effects of trauma and of social disadvantage on a person’s mental health
- the importance of families, carers and social networks in relation to mental health difficulties
Ability to draw on knowledge of factors that promote wellbeing and emotional strength.
Ability to draw on knowledge of the ways in which mental health difficulties can affect functioning and individual development.
Ability to draw on knowledge that people with mental health difficulties are more vulnerable to a range of physical health conditions.
Ability to draw on knowledge that physical illnesses (especially long-term conditions) are a significant risk factor for mental health difficulties, particularly anxiety and depression.
Ability to draw on a working knowledge of the psychological, social and pharmacological interventions usually offered to people with mental health difficulties.
Ability to draw on a working knowledge of the potential physical, psychological or emotional side effects of medications and other treatments prescribed for mental health difficulties.
Ability to draw on knowledge that fear (and sometimes experience) of stigma and discrimination can prevent people from seeking mental health care.
Underpinning understanding and knowledge for peer support workers
Communication and engagement skills
Working in partnership. Supporting people as a peer support worker
Self-care and support
Optional skills – using psychological approaches to support personal recovery