Peer Support
Peer support programs serve as early detection and prevention mechanisms to help people deal with personal problems before they become more serious. Peer support is a voluntary process where trained co-workers recognise various symptoms and problems and assist their colleagues through listening, understanding and providing referrals.
The opportunity to talk with a trusted peer support colleague can reduce the build-up of anger, frustration, and despair that often leads to alcohol abuse, domestic violence and depression. Peer support programs are popular and effective because colleagues are generally more willing to trust and confide in a fellow employee.
The peer support program builds skills and knowledge for a staff member to undertake a peer support role in their organisation, providing basic emotional first aid and specialist referral as required. This program is delivered in partnership with organisations, customised to their needs and potential peer support workers undertake an interview process to check suitability for the role.
In this session we will explore:
- What is a peer support program?
- Essential skills for peer support
- Understanding stress and its impacts
- Taking care of yourself
- Risk identification and management
- Creating a charter of behaviour to guild peer support work
