Peer Support Work in Mental Health Services

This book responds to a gap in current literature by exploring the role of peer support work through the four realms of theory, research, policy and practice with a particular focus on mental health discourses.

Responding to a growing understanding surrounding the unique knowledge and skill set of individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions, this book responds to a gap in current literature by exploring the role of peer support work through the four realms of theory, research, policy and practice with a particular focus on mental health discourses.

Filled with practical case studies and guidance on the most effective approaches to peer support work, chapters support readers in building their knowledge of:

• The theoretical models of peer work including historical underpinnings, benefits and drawbacks, and the ontological, epistemological basis for lived experience as a knowledge sub-set.
• The research behind the value of experiential knowledge, models of peer support work, ethical dilemmas and how peer support work relates to traditional mental health discourse.
• The policy developments in relation to peer support work.

• Peer support work in practice, including work with families, support work specialisms and current guidance on best practice. A must-read read for those working within mental health services, this book provides a comprehensive guide to peer support work for mental health professionals, programme managers, peer support workers and service users.

  Autorentext

  Michael John Norton is a Recovery and Engagement Programme Lead with the HSE Office of Mental Health Engagement and Recovery. One of Michael's main areas of responsibility is peer support work due to his past experiences of being a peer support worker for the HSE mental health services in the Republic of Ireland. Michael is also a lecturer with University College Cork, Ireland.

  Inhalt

  Part 1: Introduction

1. Context: Setting the Scene

Part 2: Theory of Peer Support Work

2. Historical Underpinnings of Mental Health Service Provision Inclusive of the History of the Peer Support Movement

3. Definitions of Peer Support Work

4. Principles and Roles of Peer Support Work

Case Study Contributors: *Sandra O'Sullivan, William Gallini-Poole, Olga Zilberberg.*

5. Advantages of and Challenges to Peer Support Work

Case Study Contributor: *Nicole Troy*

Part 3: Research on Peer Support work

6. Experiential Knowledge/Lived Experience

Case Study Contributor: *Rachael Burns, Lydia Little*

7. Models of Peer Support Work

8. Ethical Dilemmas in Peer Support Work

Case Study Contributors: *Karen Beveridge, Nina Eck*

9. Peer Support Work in Traditional Mental Health Discourse

Part 4: Policy Relating to Peer Support Work

10. Policy Developments in Support of Peer Support Work

Part 5: The Practice of Peer Support Work

11. Family Peer Support Work

Case Study Contributor: *Matthew Jackman*

12. Peer Support Work Specialisms

13. Current Peer Support Practices

Part 6: Concluding Remarks

14. Conclusion