Aims
Competences covered in this unit:
Ability to draw on knowledge of available sources of support.
Ability to ensure that information about these sources of support is up to date and accurately characterises the nature of support on offer.
Ability to draw on knowledge of social interventions, activities or programmes within local communities and to help people access and engage in them.
Ability to identify organisations and services that are accessible to a person.
Ability to convey information about organisations and services, to help the person make informed choices about the options they wish to pursue.
Ability to help the person consider the type of support that matches their needs and situation.
Ability to discuss with a person the reach, responsibilities and limits of organisations and services, to identify those that are both suited to their needs and acceptable to them.
Ability to facilitate access to a service through administrative or practical help.
Ability to draw on knowledge of the potential challenges that people may face when trying to access mental health services, and to help people problem-solve to address these challenges.
Ability to draw on knowledge regarding the aims of signposting.
Ability to pass on contact information in a way that makes it likely to be remembered and used.
Ability to establish that a person is willing and able to access the organisation, service or support.
Ability to follow up with the person to see whether they have accessed the organisation, service, group, activity or programme, or whether they need a different type or level of support.
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