Peer Support Worker Training
Do you have lived experience of receiving mental health support and now want to support others?
Our 10-week online 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.
We are pleased to have bursaries available for our training programmes for Norfolk Residents.
To apply for the training complete the application form below, guidance can be found on the form and in the brochure above:
Training dates:
- 2nd July – 3rd September – Venue: South Norfolk
- 10th September – 12th November – Venue: Broadland
- 14th October – 16th December – Venue: Online
- 7th January – 11th March – Venue: Breckland
Training Fees:
10 week Peer Support Worker Training and Mentoring programme: £1,500
We have a number of £1000 bursaries available (see bursary section below).
This fee includes:
- 10 full training days (60 hours of in person or online training)
- Course manual and workbook- printed and electronic versions
- Access to our online learning portal with additional materials and interactive tasks
- Individual and group mentoring throughout the training from our experienced team
- Support from our training team to set goals for your next steps following the training
- Buddy groups to enhance learning and support
- Training certification
- Access to our Peer Support Worker network group after the course is completed.
Bursaries
We have 60x £1000 bursaries available for Norfolk residents:
- 15 for South Norfolk residents*
- 15 for Broadland residents*
- 30 for Norfolk residents**
If you are eligible for a £1000 training bursary the course fee will be: £500.
Upon acceptance of your application a deposit of £100 is required to secure your place.
Payment plans are available – please email to discuss this option.
*Bursaries are available for people living and working in South Norfolk and Broadland areas from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to help support the Levelling Up agenda.
**Our Peer Support Worker Training online and Breckland training are supported by Norfolk Community Foundation through the Apollo Fund for Norfolk residents.
What is Peer Support?
Peer support workers are individuals who have lived experience of mental health challenges themselves or experience of supporting a friend or family member through mental health challenges. They use these experiences to support other people and their families receiving mental health support.
They provide emotional support, social interaction, and practical help. Peer support workers are able to work in a number of different settings and the role they fulfil will depend on the type of service they are based in.
This may be as one-to-one support, support groups or self-help groups, online or on the phone. Because a peer support worker has their own lived experience of mental health challenges they offer a unique perspective and insight.
Valuing everyone’s experience and treating everyone equally.
Accessing peer support can help in many ways including;
- Peer support workers have experience with their own strategies that they can share with individuals
- Improves well-being
- Better self-esteem, confidence and social skills
- Support individuals to develop goals and support recovery
- Increased knowledge of mental health conditions and recovery
- Develop personal recovery plans
- Supports engagement in activities
- Supports engagement in group activities
- Larger support networks
- Focusing on and building a person’s strengths and their ability to make use of the resources available to them
- Support to navigate systems and waiting lists
- Ease feelings of isolation
