A peer support worker is an individual who has made a personal commitment to their own recovery and has maintained recovery over a period of time.
The values and attributes needed for peer support workers are:
The ability to share their own personal experience in an inspirational way
The ability to make a connection without being judgmental about the situation
To be caring and compassionate
To promote understanding
Self-advocacy
Self determination
To have a genuine desire to help people recover
Not to be judgmental
Confidentiality is crucial as talking about people can damage their recovery
Respectful of diversity
A positive manner
Learn to establish empowerment and mutually beneficial relationship to the peer worker
Focus on strengths, not weaknesses and work towards wellbeing and recovery
Must have an understanding of anxiety and isolation (small steps)
Have a caring nature – be kind and patient
Be compassionate and consistent
Open minded to all situations
Talk to people as an equal, be reliable and committed
Help people to recognise their resources and seek their own solutions as everyone is unique
Have knowledge of what activities are available in the communities of their choice