Aims
Competences covered in this unit:
Ability to draw on knowledge of factors that can make for a positive peer relationship, and factors that can have a negative effect on the peer relationship.
Ability to build trust, develop rapport and be respectful.
Ability to demonstrate warmth, sensitivity, genuine concern, and provide encouragement and support.
Ability to listen and respond to the person’s concerns in a manner that is non-judgemental, supportive and sensitive, and that conveys an accepting attitude when they describe their experiences and beliefs.
Ability to accept as valid the person’s experiences and concerns, and help them discuss these.
Ability to help the person being supported express any concerns or doubts they have about the intervention they are receiving.
Ability to establish the boundaries and purpose of the peer relationship in the initial meeting, including discussing the limits to confidentiality and information sharing.
Ability to understand how the person being supported understands themselves, their experience and the world around them, paying attention to any cultural, spiritual or personal beliefs that are particularly important to the person.
Ability to see and understand the other person’s perspective and to express this understanding through interactions with them.
Ability to establish the person’s point of view by having an open and non-judgemental discussion and accepting their experiences as valid.
Ability to recognise when there are strains in the peer relationship and address these.
Ability to determine a person’s readiness to explore options or attempt something new, in a manner that builds on their strengths and promotes self-determination.
Ability to draw on knowledge of the potential barriers to engagement and the ability to actively work with the person being supported or with colleagues to address these.
Ability to be open to the possibility of meeting in locations that are not associated with mental health services if this is what the person prefers.
Ability to balance flexibility in the meeting location with the need to maintain personal safety.
Ability to prepare the person being supported for an ending of the peer support work or relationship.
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