Services Peer Mentor Programme Peer Mentor Programme Single Homeless Project's Peer Mentoring Programme aims to model visible recovery from substance use, homelessness, mental health and offending behaviour. “At the beginning of my recovery journey, I remember wanting to talk to people who had been through what I was going through and had been successful in recovery. Maybe I didn't believe (or want to believe) it was possible!? They are the living proof that it can work and why Peer Mentors are so important.” What is a Peer Mentor? Our peer mentor volunteers are individuals who are motivated to use their lived experience of substance use recovery, mental health problems, homelessness, or the criminal justice system to support others to make positive changes in their lives. As well as supporting others, being a peer mentor also gives you a chance to build your own skills and confidence, with opportunities to go into further training, education or employment. Once, during my recovery, I went to a group session and a peer mentor was there. I remember thinking ‘wow’. He’s done it. Now I’m the Peer Mentor sitting in the group. Someone is looking at me thinking ‘I want to be there’. Where you can find us The Camden Integrated Drug And Alcohol Service Peer aim to support service users in Camden who are recovery from substance use. Providing peer-led drop-ins and co-facilitating group programmes and activities, they encourage and signpost individuals to engage with the recovery community. Peers also offer 121 mentoring and telephone befriending support. The Camden and Islington Criminal Justice Peer Mentor Project Peers aim to support offenders from Camden and Islington in custodial and community settings within the criminal justice system. They assist both clients and staff with activities such as prison ‘through the gates’ service appointments and co-facilitating recovery support groups. Peers also offer 121 mentoring and telephone befriending support. The Westminster Peer Mentor Project Peers aim to support the key working of clients accessing SHP Westminster Floating Support Service. They encourage community engagement and can assist with their next steps into independence when leaving support services. Peers also offer 121 mentoring and telephone befriending support. The Islington Peer Mentor Team Peers provide social contact to SHP clients experiencing homelessness to help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is achieved through in-reach programmes to hostels and working closely with partners in the community. Peers also offer 121 mentoring and telephone befriending support. How to become a Peer Mentor Training programme We usually hold 2-3 training programmes per year. Our AQA accredited training covers a range of topics to ensure all our mentors are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to carry out their roles safely and to a high standard; able to support our clients as best possible; and cope with any challenges they may face in their role. Day-to-day role and support SHP peer mentors are supported in their role by experienced staff members who support their well-being and professional development through regular individual and group supervisions plus additional support and training where appropriate. Developing skills and confidence Becoming a peer mentor can be the first vital step when it comes to getting back into work. Our programme gives individuals the opportunity to develop vocational skills, experience and qualifications - with particular relevance for careers in health and social care. Volunteering can also be a good way to show readiness for work to employers. Are you interested in becoming a Peer Mentor? Email our Peer Mentor team “Peer Mentoring is a great way to connect with people to provide support and also keeps recovery a key focus in my life which is important. So I feel as though I am giving and that I am receiving which is really amazing.” “Peer Mentoring is leading by positive example and committing time to support Service Users and staff with recovery and Service delivery”