Recovery Approach To Peer Mentoring

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Peer mentoring programmes are undertaken by individuals who have direct experience of the illness at hand, who have reached a point of recovery, and have been trained to provide support to others with the same condition (Sarrami et al., 2014). They draw on personal experiences to deliver knowledge, social interaction or emotional support (Davidson et al., 2005). This change in emphasis from a mutual relationship to a less balanced relationship of ‘giver’ and ‘receiver’ of care differentiates peer mentoring from more generalised peer support programmes (Repper & Carter, 2010). Evidence has suggested that the presence of peer mentors can result in the reduction of alcohol and drug abuse in addiction (Davidson et al., 2012), and chances of developing …show more content…

The approach emphasises that peer mentoring enables individuals to reduce stigma and challenge stereotypes. For some, peer mentoring could break down the barriers between staff and service users, increase awareness about mental health, and allow individuals to seek out assistance in a less stigmatising relationship or situation (Faulkner et al., 2013). The recovery approach to peer mentoring is a person-centred approach aiming to see service users as complete individuals who have the ability to cope with their difficulties and contribute in a full life. This approach focuses on developing self-esteem, self-determination and increasing well-being. The recovery model aims to concentrate on identifying and achieving realistic life goals for service users (MIND, 2013), as well as looking beyond mere survival and towards a positive future (Davidson et al., 2005; Bonney & Stickley 2008; Ramon, Healy & Renouf 2007). Most importantly, encouraging individuals to move forward, set new goals, undertake meaningful activities, develop relationships and give their lives meaning (Jacob, 2015). However, concerns have been elevated regarding the recovery approach, highlighting the approach is only effective in selected individuals, can only occur as a result …show more content…

Delivery of peer support is recognised as a necessity for recovery-orientated states (Armstrong & Steffen, 2009), and it is commonly supported in recovery literature (Slade, 2009). Numerous findings have suggested that peer mentoring increases self-esteem and self-confidence (Davidson et al., 1999; Salzer, 2002). Outcome studies repeatedly report improvement in social functioning, social networks and social inclusion (Davidson et al., 2004; Carless & Douglas 2008). This has been recognised in the growth of shared experiences (Mead, 2004), and the regulation of emotional response. This supports Social Comparison Theory (SCT; Festinger, 1954) which emphasises that individuals seek out others with related experiences, in order to assist them in attaining a sense of normality and validation. However, many of these studies did not test whether everyday social connections could mediate the effects between peer mentoring and mental health (Hubbard,

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