Mind in West Essex - Peer Support
Peer Support is a free service for adults based in West Essex (Uttlesford, Epping Forest and Harlow) where service users are guided by one of our trained Peer Support Mentors. A Peer Support Mentor is someone who uses their own lived experience of mental health challenges to support others. They’re not a therapist or counsellor, but someone who has weathered their own storms and come out the other side, inspiring hope that recovery is possible. You may hear your peer support mentor say ‘ I understand’ or ‘I am here'.
Remote
In-person
Further info
Is your life at risk? In an emergency call 999 for an Ambulance, or call NHS 111 (Option 2).
If you are not in crisis we are here to help.
Peer support can be helpful for a wide range of emotional challenges such as low mood, depression, stress, anxiety, excessive worry, bereavement or a lack of motivation. Through up to nine one-to-one sessions, peer support mentors will work alongside service users, listening without judgement, offering encouragement and sharing wisdom and insights from their own journey. During peer support, service users will explore what matters most to them, be guided to set meaningful goals and identify coping strategies that work for them. Peer support mentors can also support in connecting service users to their local community, other support services and to help them to regain a sense of control over your own recovery journey.
The peer support service aims to provide support for those that are experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges and is a goal focused service. We offer a low level intervention which means it is not suitable for service users with current risks such as ongoing suicidal thoughts. This is because the knowledge and expertise needed to support service users through such scenarios generally goes beyond what peer support workers can offer. It is also important to note that the peer support service should not replace other mental health services and we do not offer clinical support. Having said that, we can work alongside other mental health care professionals.
Suitability may include those needing support with: motivation and self-belief; improving daily routine and activities; wellbeing; access to practical and financial support; access to the community; clients who are willing to engage on an appointment basis. It is not suitable for those with suicidal thoughts (which go beyond fleeting), plans, or intention.
Who can use this service?
Anyone over 18 can be referred into Peer Support who thinks they will benifit from this model. It is not suitable for those with suicidal thoughts. See further details on suitability.
How are services delivered?
Services are delivered in a person centred way and will include 9 support sessions in one of our hubs or in the community.