Implementing a peer support programme in a regional mental health service: A personal journey

Peer support is a well-established component of many mental health services that provides a promising employment opportunity and recognises experience with mental illness as an asset rather than a liability. The overall aim of this paper is to discuss the challenges of implementing a peer support programme in a regional mental health service. In particular, the article discusses how the roles and functions of peer support workers have evolved and how challenges to service effectiveness were identified and overcome. The authors also examine the development of a related consumer companion role and consider the similarities and differences of peer support and consumer companion roles. Recommendations are made with respect to issues such as how allied health professionals views this role, what happens when peer support workers become ill and level of training and supervision.