Thursday 3rd February 2022 is Time to Talk Day. Time to Talk Day is the country’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. Today, we’re focusing on the power of talking through peer support in helping people on their journey towards better mental health.

What is peer support?

Peer support is when people use their own life experiences to help each other. This can be through sharing information or providing emotional support, coping mechanisms and practical help. Peer support often takes the form of support groups or self-help groups, usually facilitated by trained peers or volunteers.

At a peer support group meeting, attendees will talk about their own experiences and listen to others talking about theirs. It is not that anyone in attendance is a trained counsellor or therapist, but their personal experience helps them to understand each other and provide a safe environment to open up.

What are the benefits of peer support for mental health?

Research shows that peer support can improve people’s wellbeing, meaning they have fewer hospital stays, larger support networks, and better self-esteem, confidence and social skills (Mental Health Foundation).

Peer support can: 

• Help you to talk openly about your experiences with mental ill-health. This can feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders.
• Help you realise that you are not alone in what you are feeling and experiencing. This can connect you with others and make you feel a sense of belonging.
• Introduce you to coping mechanisms and self-care activities that have helped others.
• Boost your confidence around others.
• Encourage you to feel more hopeful about the future.

Is peer support right for me?

Peer support can be a helpful treatment for depression, either on its own or alongside other treatments and/or medication. The thought of attending a support group can seem daunting to some and some might be unsure whether peer support is the right option for them. Here are a few tips for deciding on whether peer support is right for you: 

• It’s normal to feel anxious about opening up about your mental health. The important thing to remember is that everyone in the room at a peer support group has been in a similar position to you. How much you share is totally up to you. You might even want to go along and just listen to others on your first day.
• If you have any questions about the group, don’t be afraid to ask before you go. If you’re feeling nervous, why not bring a friend or family member along with you for support?
• Think about your current mental state. If you might find it too triggering to hear about other people’s experiences, perhaps peer support isn’t the right option for you at this time. Always speak to your GP before trying new treatments.

AWARE’s peer support groups

We have a network of peer support groups across Northern Ireland. These groups welcome adults living with depression, anxiety and bipolar and are facilitated by our wonderful team of trained volunteers. Friends, relatives or carers for people with mental illness are also welcome to attend.

If face-to-face isn’t your thing right now or you can’t make it to a group, we also have some groups that meet online.

Hear from our group members…

Our support groups have been a lifeline for lots of people and helped many to manage their depression.  

"It was difficult opening up in the beginning, but once I did, I felt an enormous weight lifted off my shoulders." - Support Service User

"AWARE has saved my life. Had I not found a space where I could be valued and heard without judgement, I wouldn't be here." – Support Service User

“I feel like I now have a little community of people who understand where I'm at. Although I'm still suffering from mental health issues, they are much better than they were and I even have occasional bursts of hopefulness and positivity.” - Support Service User

If you would like to join a group, please email info@aware-ni.org and our Support Services team will help you take that first step. You are not alone and AWARE is here to support you.

Click here to watch a video on our support groups.