Peer Support Workers work for Solent Mind in partnership with Coastal Medical Partnership. They are people who have lived experience of mental health problems. Peer support is short term support given to people who need extra support with the ‘doing’ side in their recovery journey. They can:

• go out with you when you are trying to reach your goals in the community (e.g. come with you to join a group)
• spend time and listen to how you are getting on with making changes

Peer support workers use their own experiences to help you with your recovery. Providing a safe space for you to feel accepted and understood. They can help you by sharing wisdom from their own experiences and give you the hope and belief that recovery is possible.  

Most of your sessions will be out in the community, in a coffee shop, out on a walk, or attending a group or activity. In your first session, your Peer Support Worker will take time to get to know you and find out what goals you want to work on together. They might:

• Help you join groups – such as bereavement, art, knitting or support groups
• Signpost you to places to get support such as Citizens Advice and go with you if you need it
• Meet for a coffee and a chat in an informal setting
• Accompany you on a bus or train for an appointment
• Support you if you are struggling to get out just for a walk or accompany you to places in the community such as the supermarket 

The number of sessions and how often will be decided together with your Peer Support Worker. This will depend on your goals, needs and what works for you.

Speak to your GP if you would like to be referred for a Peer Support Worker.

The 'Peer Support' role is provided in partnership between Coastal Medical Partnership and Solent Mind. Your Peer Support Worker will make notes about your appointments and any communications between your appointments on your confidential GP records. This is to ensure continuity of care and the quality of support. Should your Peer Support Worker have any concerns for your safety, they have a duty to immediately raise these concerns. If you have any questions about what we note on your GP record, please ask your Peer Support Worker.