An important aspect of peer support is the sense of acceptance and real empathy that the peer gains through a sharing relationship.

Empathy and acceptance

The majority of the wider evidence on admission rates report suggest that people engaging in peer support tend to show reduced admission rates and longer community tenure.

Admission rates and community tenure

Consistent engagement in peer support increase stability in work, education and training, which will allow for a sense of empowerment.

Empowerment

Many studies have shown that participants who received peer support demonstrated improved social support, enhanced social skills and better social functioning.

Social support and social functioning

Participants involved in peer support were less likely to identify stigma as an obstacle for getting work and were more likely to have employment. 

Reducing stigma

An essential benefit gained from peer support is the sense of hope created through meeting people who have found ways through their difficulties and challenges.

Hope

* Admission rates and community tenure
* Empowerment
* Social support and social functioning
* Empathy and acceptance
* Reducing stigma
* Hope

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Peer support/peer provided services have resulted in benefits to peer recipients, peer providers, and to the mental health service delivery system.

Benefits derived from peer support/peer provided services

Solomon, P. (2004). Peer support/peer provided services underlying processes, benefits, and critical ingredients. Psychiatric rehabilitation journal, 27(4), 392. https://doi.org/10.2975/27.2004.392.401

Peer support/peer provided services underlying processes, benefits, and critical ingredients.

Being a peer provider offered them personal growth in terms of increased confidence in their capabilities, ability to cope with the illness, self-esteem, and sense of empowerment and hope. Studies also found reduced hospitalizations for peer providers. 

Benefits to providers

Cost-savings

Combat societal stigma

Serving individuals who are alienated from the traditional mental health system

Improve effectiveness

Meet mental health needs of the community

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