What Is Peer Support?
- Mutuality and Connection: Peer support involves various activities and interactions among individuals who have similar experiences with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. This shared experience, often referred to as "peerness," fosters a distinctive connection.
- Inspiring Hope: Peer support workers, who are individuals with personal experience in recovering from mental health conditions or substance use, serve a vital role. They offer non-clinical support that focuses on individual strengths. Through sharing their personal journeys and offering practical advice, they foster hope in others.
What Do Peer Support Workers Do?
- Walking Together involves peer support workers accompanying individuals on their paths to recovery. They debunk myths surrounding mental health conditions and substance use disorders, offer self-help education, and connect individuals with various tools and resources.
- Fostering Self-Determination: Peer support workers refrain from enforcing rules or expectations, instead assisting individuals in defining their own goals, aspirations, and desires. They promote self-determination, acknowledging the unique nature of each person's journey towards recovery.
Remember, recovery isn’t a solo journey.
It’s a collective effort, and peer support is a vital thread in that tapestry of healing.
Erie County Peer Support
Erie Shore Network:
A peer-run mental health peer support agency that has been serving the community for over 25 years.
ESN offers various programs to their members, including a therapy dog program. Luna Lee, their facility and therapy dog, provides benefits such as calming, reducing anxiety, alleviating loneliness, and enhancing social engagement.
Sandusky Artisans Recovery Community Center:
This center provides peer recovery supporters, daily 12-step meetings, art programs, yoga, meditation, and whole health action management—all overseen by peers. They offer peer support services for those struggling with substance use and/or mental health disorders.