At Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services, our mission is, and has always been simple: to make mental health support more accessible, early, and inclusive.
As a social enterprise, we continue to reinvest all surplus profit into providing therapy and community projects for those who might otherwise struggle to access support.
Because of our strong values and social purpose, we recognise the vital role of Peer Support Workers (PSWs) in bridging the gap in mental health care. These individuals bring lived experience and compassionate support, offering an essential lifeline to those in need.
Mental Health in the UK
It’s a sad statement to make, but we are in the midst of a mental health crisis.
The lasting impact of COVID-19 has left many people struggling with their mental well-being. That could be you, a friend, a young person, a family member – anyone. Mental health crises do not discriminate.
The NHS is overwhelmed; with long waiting lists and a growing need for support, too many people are struggling in silence, unable to access the support they need.
The Rise of Peer Support Workers
With there being a definite need, we’ve focused on one way that we can make a change and an impact. Enter the Peer Support Worker (PSW) – a vital role bridging the gap in mental health services. With lived experience, Peer Support Workers provide a unique kind of support that traditional mental health services often cannot.
To begin with, those with lived experience and within grassroot organisations supported each other who were facing similar challenges. The effectiveness and success of this approach and support encouraged the UK Department of Health with its integration into mental health services, and by 2009, the Competence Framework for Mental Health Peer Support Workers was developed to standardise and legitimise the role.
However, with all good intentions, these things take time, and demand often overstretches the supply of the support. More training and investment are needed to equip individuals with the skills to offer peer-led support effectively.
Cup-O-T’s Peer Support Worker Training Programme
Recognising this need, Cup-O-T partnered with AQA to create a robust, high-quality training programme aligned with the national framework. The 10-week training programme supports and equips participants with essential skills, covering:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Safeguarding and professional boundaries
- Working alongside mental health professionals
- Frameworks, self-care, and resilience-building
We’re very grateful to our funders who have played a huge role in making this training accessible. Thanks to Norfolk Community Foundation (Apollo Programme) and South Norfolk & Broadland Council (Shared Prosperity Fund UK), we’ve been able to provide £1,000 bursaries to support individuals who are passionate about peer support.
Real Impact: Voices from Our Community
Since launching the training programme in 2024, Cup-O-T has successfully trained four cohorts of Peer Support Workers, led by experienced mental health practitioners. The impact has been incredible:
- Graduates have pursued careers in mental health, securing PSW roles in various organisations
- Alumni engage in peer support networks, creating a strong community of practice
- Personal transformation has been a key highlight, with participants gaining confidence, resilience, and a newfound belief in themselves
Amber, Training Facilitator, reflects:
“We wanted an opportunity to celebrate the success of all individuals who have completed the Peer Support Worker training course. It’s been wonderful to hear their perspectives and see them build their own peer support networks. The conversations (and healthy debates!) we’ve had have been inspiring – and I know I’ve learned a great deal from each group. Hearing how they’re using their skills in daily life, from work to community support, has been fantastic.”
Asim, Training Facilitator , shares:
“Hosting this programme allows us to witness real change in people’s lives. It’s incredible to see participants stepping into the world with new confidence – volunteering, seeking employment, and realising their own potential. The level of care, compassion, and support they offer one another is truly powerful.”
What’s Next? Expanding the Peer Support Movement
With the NHS receiving over 500 mental health crisis referrals per day, the role of Peer Support Workers is more critical than ever. To make a sustainable and ongoing difference to this area of support, Cup-O-T has established a Peer Support Worker Alumni Group, offering continued professional development, and networking opportunities.
We are committed to:
- Advocating for wider recognition and adoption of PSWs in mental health services, education, and beyond
- Expanding our training programme to reach more individuals
- Securing further funding to support accessibility
Celebrating Our Peer Support Worker Graduates
To cement the learning and work undertaken, the team at Cup O-T wanted to celebrate the Peer Support Worker graduates. In March 2025, we hosted our first Peer Support Worker Celebration Event. This event saw past delegates come together to recognise their dedication and achievements, and strengthen their peer support network.
The Cup-O-T team was there to celebrate amongst the group, and it was a moment to take stock of not just the achievements of graduation, but being part of the change. Every person in the room plays a huge role in supporting those around us with mental health challenges, daily.
Graduates received their official course completion certificates, connected with fellow alumni, and shared inspiring stories. It truly was a moment to celebrate how far they’ve come and look ahead to future opportunities in peer support.
We look forward to arranging future celebration events for future cohorts.
What our Graduates had to Say
Graduates shared what they enjoyed most about the Peer Support Worker program:
“The training helped me to build my confidence and believe in myself!”
“Gaining an insight into peer support and how it all interconnects in organisations!”
“The kind, empathetic environment allowed everyone to be themselves.”
“Being more self-aware of my own emotions and how I deal with those!”
“Being challenged on specific thoughts and feelings but in a logical and educational way!”
“The end of unit feedback from our peers, helping to reaffirm beliefs about ourselves!”
Join the Movement
If you are passionate about mental health and peer support, we’d love to support you.
Our 10-week Peer Support Worker Training is a comprehensive training programme for mental health peer support workers, based on The Competence Framework published by Health Education England. This training is for people already in a paid or voluntary peer support role or who want to take this step in their career.
If you’re interested in learning more, download our brochure via our website or email us at info@cup-o-t.co.uk to register your interest for our next cohort. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community.
Additional Resources:
- Mind’s Big Mental Health Report 2024
- Competence Framework for Mental Health Peer Support Workers
- SWGfL Online Safety Checklists – A great resource for understanding digital safety, which is vital when offering peer support in online spaces.