Over the course of a year, the pilot service will provide three dedicated peer support workers who will work to help 12 inpatients.

During three structured visits each week, the team will focus on three key areas: fostering relationships, emotional regulation skills, and facilitating the transition back into the community. From offering guidance on education and employment opportunities to providing a listening ear with someone who 'gets it', the goal is to help young individuals forge fulfilling lives post-hospitalisation in a Tier 4 mental health service.

The programme aims to reduce readmissions, encourage shorter stays, and increase hopefulness. Additionally, the team, who have lived experience, is trained in various areas, including positive behaviour support, eating disorders, autism, peer support, suicide prevention, self-harm, low arousal, and sensory integration. More support will be provided during Christmas and summer and there will be a dedicated programme for this.

This pilot Peer Support Work Programme is innovative and meets a clear gap in service provision. As a result, the pilot is going to be academically evaluated by the University of Birmingham.

Take a look at some of our other services:

  1. Intensive Residential Outreach Care

    Intensive Residential Outreach Care (IROC) focuses on avoiding Tier 4 admissions for young people by offering therapeutic, relational, and trauma-informed approaches to support those who present with complex psychological distress and vulnerabilities.
  2. Youth First

    Youth First is the West Midlands community forensic child and adolescent mental health service for young people under 18 years who present a significant risk of harm to others and have complex mental health or neurodevelopmental difficulties.
  3. Case Managers

    Case Managers play an important role in ensuring safe and effective care pathways for young people.