Peer Support Work Programme Launched to Enhance Mental Health Care
Toucan (the West Midlands CAMHS Provider Collaborative) and the Emotion Dysregulation Autism Charity (EDA) are excited to be launching a transformation initiative for young people in Tier 4 mental health services called the Inpatient Peer Support Work Programme.
Over the next year, the pilot initiative will deploy three trained Peer Support Worker (PSW) professionals with lived experience to assist the CAMHS inpatient units across the West Midlands.
The PSWs will engage in three structured visits each week, focusing on fostering therapeutic relationships, developing emotional regulation skills, and facilitating successful transitions into the community. The impact of this approach will be monitored, evaluated, and reported upon.
Elaine Kirwan, Director for Toucan said: "We are really excited about this collaboration with EDA. The program has huge potential for contributing to improving the quality of care and life outcomes for young people with a diagnosis of Autism and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder.
"There are many ways we can improve the quality of care and better address the complex needs of our young people in our CAMHS inpatient hospitals. Our PSWs have immense lived experience, and by pulling all our experience and expertise together, we can empower our young people, build hope and expectation that they can live a life worth living, and work towards recovery in the community”.
Zaynab Sohawon, CEO at EDA said: "Tailored support for our young people with autism and mental health challenges is important. This team all have some sort of personal experience with mental health services, which we think helps offer an understanding of the unique challenges and needs of young people.
“Teaming up with Toucan allows us to expand our reach and offer that support to those who need it most."
The pilot programme aims to reduce readmissions, promote shorter stays, and encourage a greater sense of hope for young people in a Tier 4 service. The PSWs, who possess direct or indirect experience in autism and mental health services, undergo training in a wide range of areas such as positive behaviour support, eating disorders, suicide prevention, and sensory integration, to name a few.
Phillippa Hunter, A PSW with the programme, said: "Being able to connect with someone who has some understanding of what you're going through can make a difference. It’s great to be part of this and I am looking forward to helping young individuals on their recovery journey."