Peer Support Group

Peer support is generally understood to be a relationship of mutual support where people with similar life experiences offer each other support especially as they move through difficult or challenging experiences. Peer support is based on the recovery ideals of self-determination, hope, self-care, and using life experience to inform future interventions. Research consistently demonstrates that peer support groups offer numerous benefits to participants.

The peer groups will be divided by wards with each ward hosting one group a month. These groups will take place every Thursday between 9am and 10am in the patient lounges on the wards. The group will be facilitated by our Expert by experience and a member of the therapy team will always be present for additional support. Below is a summary of how to understand the peer support groups offered at the hospital.

About Experts by Experience Page

Experts by Experience are people who have recent personal experience (within the last eight years) of using or caring for someone who uses health, mental health and/or social care services. Many studies worldwide have reported consistent evidence of improvement in the recovery of patients with psychiatric disorders after introducing EbEs in the process (Barr et al., 2020).

Benefits of using an EbE:

• Patients can have more opportunity to express their experiences in this relationship in an unfiltered way, that is not always available in more conventional clinical relationships in the same way.
• It has been demonstrated that getting social support from people who have encountered and conquered comparable difficulties in life increases people’s sense of efficacy and has a favourable impact on several different areas of their experience.
• Helps to bring balance in treatment and relationships which do not occur in the relationships between patients and psychiatrists, carers, therapists etc.

Peer support group FAQs

How do I join a peer support group?

Simply speak with your care team or check the facility’s activity schedule for meeting times and locations. No pre-registration is required.

Are these groups confidential?

Yes. We value privacy and respect. What is shared in the group stays in the group, except for any safety concerns which need to be reported to the clinical team.

What topics are discussed in the groups?

Topics vary from session to session, and we are constantly reviewing and focusing on topics that are determined by the EbE based on their experience of what would be helpful. Some topics can include:

• Humbleness
• Recovery
• Isolation
• Alienation
• When losses become gains
• Hope
• Fragility
• Gratefulness
• Coping mechanism
• Support
• Autonomy

If there’s a specific topic you’d like to discuss, please let the facilitator know and we will add them to the list of topics.

Do I have to share during the group?

No, sharing is completely optional. You can participate in whatever way feels right for you. Listening and being present can still be very meaningful and helpful.

How long are the groups, and how often do they meet?

Groups can last between 45 to 60 minutes and meet once a month on each of our General Psychiatry wards in the patient lounge. Check with your care team or the schedule posted in the facility for exact times.

What happens in a peer support group?

Peer support groups typically involve:

• Open conversations about experiences and challenges.
• Sharing coping skills and resources.
• Listening and offering mutual encouragement.

Participation is voluntary—you're welcome to share or simply listen if you’re more comfortable observing.

Who can attend peer support groups?

Any inpatient currently receiving care at Nightingale Hospital under the General Psychiatry Programme is welcome to attend. Peer support groups are open and inclusive spaces.