Peer Support Programs are designed to train individuals within an organisation to be a first point of contact to assist and support colleagues with either work-related or personal difficulties.
These Peer Supporters are volunteers who relate to colleagues by virtue of a common working environment and are able to provide confidential, informal short-term assistance, support and guidance to colleagues. They also aim to promote well-being and link individuals to professional services if required.
Who are Peer Supporters?
- They are not there to exclusively manage those who are seriously ill or have a diagnosis of a mental illness.
- If someone is struggling with work, relationships, or everyday stressors in their life, a Peer Supporter may be able to help them find the resources they need to manage their overall well-being.
- Peer Supporters do not replicate professional support and implement a different strategy altogether.
- Through shared experiences, Peer Supporters can uniquely provide emotional and practical support.
- They can also act as a catalyst for encouraging access to professional resources.
Peer Supporters should be carefully selected by an organisation. They are usually well trusted and liked, and have a deep understanding of the organisation’s structure and culture.
What are the benefits of a Peer Support Program?
Once there are Peer Supporters in place who have completed their training, the organisation will begin to see a return in their investment via a sustained culture of workplace mental wellness.
Other benefits to an organisation and its employees include:
- Access to non-judgmental support on mental health issues.
- Providing a source of help that professional medical treatment alone may not offer.
- Overcomes obstacles to sustained productivity during times of mental health challenges.
- Removes barriers to inclusion for employees with mental health issues.
- Aids manager comfort in addressing employee issues through the assistance of a Peer Supporter.
- Reduces absenteeism and disability through early identification and access to helpful resources.
- Increased employee retention and engagement.
Ultimately, the mental health system can be complex and often uninviting; a Peer Support Program is a way to help keep employees functioning and at work during periods of mental of practical hardship.
To learn more about our Peer Support Programs and how it can help your employees and your business, call one of our friendly staff members on 1300 687 633.
