The Peer Support Project

Peer Support Project

Click here to view our Volunteer Application Form.

We offer one-to-one peer support to adults in Tameside who are experiencing mental health difficulties. Our aim is to use coaching and mentoring techniques to support them to improve their mental health and wellbeing whilst reducing loneliness and isolation. 

 

Our offer is to support the client for up to 12 weeks in various ways including telephone support, doorstep engagements, face to face support in our offices, support to attend other local services and activities where they can access alternative support and become part of the community. This support is person centred and will look different for everyone, we want to empower you to make the choices yourself.

 

To find out more about accessing or volunteering with our peer support project click on our information at the bottom of the page.

 

If you feel this project is for you please contact 0161 330 9223 or email peersupport [at] togmind.org.

 

Clients Testimonials

"I felt like I was understood, and not judged."

 

"The peer support project has helped me to improve my overall wellbeing and has given me more confidence to go to new places."

 

"It has helped me to develop skills to manage when my mental wellbeing takes a dip."

 

"My volunteer has had a positive impact on my mental wellbeing and has helped me to see the positives in myself and the things that I do."

 

"A massive thank you, I wouldn't have gotten to the point I am at now without the peer support project. The project is perfect the way it is, and I am so happy I accessed it."

 

Volunteer Testimonials

"I want to thank you (and the peer support project) for your time, and all the experience I have gained. The managerial and clinical supervision provided to me, and the educational/qualification opportunities afforded to me. You have been a great mentor and I have learned a lot from yourself.”

 

"Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your team and giving me the opportunity to meet some wonderful people along the way. I have been sat here thinking about some of the clients I have had over the years, and they genuinely bring a smile to my face. It's been a remarkable experience and it has most certainly helped me grow and learn on a personal level.”

 

“Tuesday is my favourite day of the week, I genuinely get as much out of the service as the client.”

Click here to view our Volunteer Application Form.

 

 

TOG Mind - Living Life Well Action Together

We work in partnership with Living Life Well and referrals through our service may be received via this route.

What is Peer Support?

Peer support is one to one support from a trained volunteer who has had their own experience of mental health. This support is person centred and tailored to what you need to improve your wellbeing, whether this is face to face or remote support. We can support you to access community groups and learn techniques to manage anxiety.

 

Peer support offers you the opportunity to talk to someone and gain practical skills and techniques to achieve your goals. Your peer support volunteer may discuss the 5 Ways of Wellbeing with you.

How does peer support work?

You can refer yourself to the peer support project by calling our office on 0161 330 9223 and our access team will take some details from you.

 

Once a referral has been received a member of the peer support team will ring you or arrange an appointment to discuss the details and assess whether this is the correct support for you. If we are not the correct support we will ensure onward referrals are made and that you feel supported in this process.

 

If we are the correct service we will discuss the support you need and any preferences you may have – such as volunteer preference or availability issues.

 

You will then be placed on a waiting list until a suitable volunteer is available to start your sessions.

What happens during the sessions?

What happens very much depends upon what your goal is. We are a person centred service so offer support in lots of different areas, this consists of a weekly appointment for 12 weeks with a trained volunteer where you will be empowered to make choices.

 

We will listen to you, we recognise how difficult it can be to discuss the issues you may be experiencing. We will treat you with respect and empathy, ensuring a non judgemental approach.

We will ensure you get the correct support and know where to access further support and information when your 12 sessions end.

How long does peer support last?

You will be supported by our peer support volunteers for up to 12 weeks. Each session will last approximately 50 minutes, although this is negotiable depending on your goal.

We will ensure you feel supported and know where to access further help from after the 12 sessions if you still feel you need it.

What happens when peer support finishes?

Once you have finished accessing one to one peer support we hope you are feeling empowered to make choices yourself and that your wellbeing is improved.

 

TOG Mind have a variety of wellbeing groups you can join or if you feel you still need to talk to someone we can give you details of our listening spaces and counselling services. We will ensure you feel supported through the process and recognise that even if you have improved your wellbeing their may still be areas you need support in.

 

Over 80% of clients say they feel less isolated and have better wellbeing after accessing our service.

How do I volunteer with the peer support project?

If you are interested in volunteering with the peer support project please complete an online application form.

 

You will be invited to a group recruitment session to discuss the project and to answer any questions you may have. We welcome those with lived experience to apply for this volunteer position.

 

If you would like an informal discussion about the service before applying please call 0161 330 9223 and ask for a member of the team or email peersupport [at] togmind.org.

 

Rachel is one of our fantastic volunteers with the Peer Support Project. If you'd like to learn more about what it means to volunteer with us, please watch the below video where Rachel talks about her volunteering experiences.

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