COINCIDING with this year’s Self Care Week (16-20 November 2015), NHS Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is pleased to support the launch of a Peer to Peer Mentoring Scheme, led by Thurrock Mind. The service, which is commissioned by the CCG, aims to support Thurrock residents who experience mental ill health and wellbeing concerns, to regain independence and promote recovery through self-management.
The scheme encourages those with lived experience of mental health problems to become a Peer Supporter, the first step on the way to training, employment and leading a good quality life. The role challenges them to take on responsibility and to get involved in helping others, and is a huge step forward for those who have never had a job or who have not worked for many years.
Leanne Edgell, Manager of the Peer to Peer Mentoring Scheme, said: “The empathy and understanding that Peer Supporters have gained through their own experiences can help them to win the trust of their peers and sustain their commitment to staying well.”
This new scheme is part of a wider transformation program of mental health services in Thurrock. South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (SSSFT) – Inclusion has recently been commissioned by Thurrock CCG to provide a range of therapies through the national Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme and an innovative Recovery and Wellbeing College. This valuable service will
start in April 2016 and further information on this will be publicised in the New Year.
A key offer from SSSFT is the delivery of services in the community, for the community and with the community. This approach is a key principle of the Peer to Peer Mentoring Scheme.
Leanne said: “We are now looking to identify people within the community who would appreciate individual support, on a short term basis, to reach their aspirations. The project is not just aimed at helping people who have a mental health diagnosis. We
