Peer support by and for people with learning disabilities

Abstract

Background

The emphasis of mental health services has changed to become more recovery focussed and is increasingly looking towards new roles such as peer support as a part of service provision (NHSE, 2019). However, services for people with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties have lagged behind with people with lived experience mainly involved in research and consultation to services rather than delivering interventions.

Methods

This article is based on four workshops held as part of a patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) consultation on a research study being developed to promote access to recovery colleges for people with learning disabilities. The workshops included three peer supporters with learning disabilities. In the article we describe our groups experiences and views on mental health, recovery and peer support.

Findings

Our group discussed our views on mental health, what recovery means and the impact of peer support on us. We also discussed the skills people need to do peer support and the support they need from others to do these roles well.

Conclusions

We thought that peer support for people with learning disabilities can challenge stigma and help people with difficult experiences such as low self esteem and loneliness. Staff supporting people with learning disabilities may benefit from more training to implement peer support. More research on the kinds of peer support that are on offer for people with learning disabilities is needed.