Peer Support

Peer support based on shared experiences

Peer support connects individuals with mental health and/or substance use to a certified Peer Support with shared experiences to achieve recovery through coaching, skill building, community connection and individual advocacy.

Peer Support is about being able to empathically understand someone else’s situation through a shared experience. People can find and connect with others who have a similar lived experience and support individuals on their recovery journey.

Informal peer support is not a new concept. It has always been provided by friends, family and peers. However, in the last ten years, shared experiences have been increasingly recognized as an integral, complementary part of the recovery journey in mental health. Formal recognition has led to increasing numbers of paid peer support roles and a diverse range of terminology, services, activities, practices, protocols, research and resources.

Easterseals UCP has a team of Peer Support Specialists. These individuals are in recovery with mental illness and/or substance abuse and willingly provide support to others who could benefit from sharing their lived experiences. Our team members are certified by The North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist Program (NCCPSS) to confirm they have met the necessary requirements to provide support to individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

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