Do you want an update of developments?

If you would like more information about the Peer Employment training or would like a member of the project team to attend your team meeting, project, group or organisation, then please contact either Sharon Gilfoyle, Peer Employment Project Manager, on 01733 748382 or Cheril Barks, Peer Employment Project Administrator, on 01733 748394.

Training update for Peer Employment Project

Due to the lack of post availability in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, we have delayed any future Peer Employment training. We already have a large number of student Peer Workers waiting for employment, so it would be unfair to train new Peer Workers until those waiting for employment are in posts. We are therefore unable to say when any further training will take place.

Peer worker programme

In the CPFT strategy and three-year plan (May 2010), we make a firm commitment to creating a critical mass of peer workers … by ensuring that a significant proportion of our staff are peer support workers and experts by experience…

Background

Developed in Arizona USA, by META Services (Now called Recovery Innovations), RIAZ Recovery Innovations of Arizona provide individual and hospital-based peer support: “Peer Support Specialists and Recovery Coaches are powerful recovery role models that engage each individual served in a personal recovery programme. Based on the person’s goals the peer staff offer a wide range of support activities, skill building, and case management”.

• Founded in 1990 providing mental health services
• Developing services using recovery principles since 2000
• 65-72% of their workforce are peers, in all levels of the organisation (more than 225 people)
• Now working with organisations in the UK, Scotland, New Zealand and Australia.
• www.recoveryinnovations.org

What is peer support?

• Inspiring hope and optimism
• Empathy
• Mutuality (equals and co-learners)
• Friendship

What is a Peer Support Worker?

"Someone with significant experience of mental distress, who works alongside others with similar difficulties in order to facilitate recovery through promoting hope and providing support based on common experiences”
Dr Julie Repper, Recovery lead Nottingham Healthcare Trust and Associate Professor in Mental Health and Social Care, University of Nottingham, 2009

• Someone with lived experience of mental health issues / mental illness
• Someone who is employed specifically as a result of their experience
• Someone who has the ability to share their recovery journey with others
• Someone who can motivate and encourage others

Why does it work?

"When people identify with others who they feel are ‘like them’, they feel a connection. This is turn fosters an environment where individuals can share suggestions and tips for their recovery with each other, and try out different strategies, with the support of their fellow peers."
Sherry Mead, 2001

Benefits

One year after the peer support staff have began working in the two hospital facilities, there was, according to hospital administration, a:

• 36% reduction in the use of seclusion
• 48% reduction in the use of restraint
• 56% reduction in hospital re-admission rates
• www.recoveryinnovations.org

What now for CPFT?

• RIAZ has been appointed to deliver the training starting in May 2010
• Training will be delivered in both Cambridge and Peterborough
• A small number of students will have the opportunity to go on to train others in subsequent cohorts (Peer Employment Educators)
• The training will be accredited with a national training organisation
• Following successful graduation from the training Peer Support Workers will be able to apply for posts within CPFT
• The posts will be available initially in adult services and then older person’s services
• Our vision is that eventually there will be Peer Support Workers in all service areas
• We will identity a range of vacancies that will provide a few hours work to full time hours

Who can access the training?

People with:

• Lived experience (secondary mental health)
• Good standard of secondary education
• WRAP or Whole Life Programme in place
• Want to work as a peer support worker following the training

The training

One month's training includes:

• 16 modules
• Four work experience days
• Mid-term and final exam
• Graduation celebration

Support provided by CPFT for peer workers

• Managerial supervision with line manager in team
• Professional supervision initially with Sharon until other supervisors are trained
• Other Peer / support networks will be established in localities and across the CPFT

For further information please contact Sharon Gilfoyle, Peer Support Worker Project Manager, on 01733 748382 or Cheril Barks, Peer Employment Project Administrator, on 01733 748394.