Peer Support

Funded By

Peer Outreach Support?

Newest round of training (January 2012)

Fourteen people have successfuly completed the six days of Peer Volunteer training.

They have moved on to do WRAP training with a view to volunteering as Peer Volunteers.

Testimonials

1. "I was refered from my GP to Augment, They have helped me by encouraging me and motivating me to have a reason to get up out of my bed in the morning, which has given me a feeling of belonging. I am due to start Peer Training this month".

2. " The Peer outreach Training has given me such a positive outlook in life, not only supporting myself in my own journey of recovery but has provided me with the tools to enlighten others on their own journey of recovery".

3. "I have recently completed Peer Outreach training which I found enjoyable as well as very informative. The course enabled me to understand how my experiences can be a useful tool in supporting other people with mental health challenges on their road to recovery. Using the "Five Pathways to Recovery" (unique to Augment), we can support people to establish Hope, Choice, The power of Self, A Better Living Enviroment and offer them support and care. I have learnt new skills in both listening and talking to people which can be done non-judgemental, mutual and effective manners." Pete.

4. "Attending the training for volunteer Peer Support has been a really positive experience. It is amazing to realise for the first time that it's possible to "recover" from my mental ill health; that it is achievable with positive language and Peer Support to get back into work and lead a "normal" life again. Plus the thought that I can use the new skills I've learnt to aid others on the road to recovery. This is sure to bring a real sense of wellbeing and self worth. I am grateful for the non-judgmental, mutual approach of all staff and members involved wtih Augment".

5. " I recently experience a 'blip' in my mental health challenges which made me feel I didn't have what it take to return to college. Since attending Peer Support training at Augment I have been able to stand back and look at all my strengths and value's. This made me realise I do have what it takes. Even though I knew there are risks my strengths over power them by miles. Thanks for the support from the staff and the friends I have made at Augment". Thanks M.M

6. "When combined with the WRAP Training I feel I have learnt a lot about myself and I have learnt skills that people would benefit from including myself. Since doing these courses I have developed an interest in becoming a peer supporter and helping other people as I think it would be an interesting and rewarding occupation".

I am interested in finding out more…

We would be delighted to provide you with further information about the project or how to undertake the referral process to become a client or a peer outreach volunteer.

Please contact Andrea Stewart (Volunteer Co-ordinator) on 01241 434405 for further information or e-mail augment@btconnect.com

Peer Outreach for Individual Clients...

Project clients receive support from a Peer Outreach Volunteer to achieve their goals and move forward on their journey of recovery. These pre-determined goals and outcomes are in line with individual needs and will be things which are barriers to their recovery, for example; being able to attend services, go to community groups, use public transport and undertake their own shopping. Peer workers support people to use a recovery based tool which highlights specific aspects for you to work on to enable your own recovery journey.

Client Testimonials:

“(My Peer Supporter) made me feel like I could come down at any time to see him – I was made to feel welcome”

“(finding out about) WRAP and other wellness tools was beneficial – would like to find out more!”

“The time spent with (my peer supporter) definitely helped me reach my goal, I wouldn’t have done it by myself and couldn’t have managed it without her”

“I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t been told about Augment, and the access to the peer outreach project – to get into Augment. I used to think I would never get better but I have – you don’t realise that help is out there…”

Can anyone be referred to the Peer Outreach Project?

Anyone who is currently experiencing mental health challenges, has an identified goal and is ready to meet their goal – with support – can be referred.

Can I refer myself?

Yes. You can refer yourself by contacting the office directly or, if you prefer, your worker can refer you to the project.

Peer Outreach Volunteers...

What does a Peer Outreach Volunteer Do?

Peer Outreach Volunteers use the training they have received and their own experiences to support and encourage others to move forward in their journey of recovery. Augment’s Peer Outreach Volunteers interact in a way that demonstrates to other people undergoing similar challenges, that they have the power to recover.

Can anyone be a peer outreach volunteer and what will be expected of me?

Augment's Peer Support training is open to all A.C.E project members who are ready to move on into volunteering and would like to take on this challenging, but extremely rewarding, role. Whilst we recognise that all individuals with an experience of mental health challenges have unique expertise and experience to offer in many forms of voluntary work, not everyone is suitable to become a peer outreach volunteer. A deep understanding of Augment’s ethos, and familiarity with the organisation and our members, is necessary to carry out this role effectively.

Augment volunteers are as varied and as interesting as the people they will work with and we expect each of our volunteers to bring their own individuality to the role.

The following are essential to becoming a peer volunteer:

· Experience of mental health challenges and a personal recovery story

· Excellent communication skills

· Proven ability to work in a professional manner

· Experience of being a member/volunteer within Augments A.C.E project

· Completion of Augments peer support worker training programme

· Commitment to working as an Augment Peer Outreach Volunteer

Follow up training...

After completion of the initial Peer Outreach Volunteer Training, successful volunteer applicants will receive every opportunity to continue their personal and professional development by accessing a wide variety of group and individual training opportunities i.e. WRAP, follow up Peer Approach Training, SMHFA, Goal Setting/Planning, etc.

How do I apply to become a Peer Outreach Volunteer?

Contact the office on 01241 434405