Peer Support
About Peer Support
If you’ve ever experienced a breakup, had conflict with a friend, awaited news about your health, or provided care for a loved one, you understand the difference between talking about it with someone who has had a similar experience versus a sympathetic listener. That’s what makes peer support unique. Peer support is rooted in the sharing of lived experiences that allow people to connect with and support one another.
Peer support is:
Collaborative and mutual
All parties are learning and growing alongside each other.
Rooted in curiosity, consent, and choice
Supporters frequently check in with participants before asking questions or offering ideas and resources.
Non-hierarchical
One person is not “more recovered” or “more healed” than another.
About conversation and moving towards self-defined goals
Participants define their goals and peer supporters offer connection and support as they move towards those goals.
Why is peer support important?
Peer support is important for so many reasons. It is a source of validation and understanding from someone who “gets it”. Having that shared lived experience is important — especially for young people who are dealing with isolation and disconnection.
Peer support improves mental health and recovery outcomes for participants. SAMHSA has a plethora of literature demonstrating the effectiveness of peer support.
Peer supporters are trained to provide relevant and timely resources to participants and are equipped with a variety of tools and skills for supporting folks on their recovery journeys.
“I am a freshman in college, and I have been meeting with Quinn as a participant for the past two and a half years, since I was 17. Throughout this time, Quinn has been there to talk with me about whatever has been going on in my life, and they have supported me through the ups and downs I have experienced. Overall, having Quinn as a mentor and a supporter has been an awesome experience, as they have been there to talk with me and have offered insight and guidance when I needed it. I think every teenager/young adult should be able to have someone like that.”
Need support or know someone who does?
If you or someone you know is a young person in Connecticut interested in talking to a peer, reach out to Quinn.
Join Our Community
Join our Discord server to get access to peer support, connect with other young people across the state, and build community!