“Simply put, peer support occurs when people in a particular circumstance reach out to help others in the same or a very similar circumstance. It is the act of a person or persons reaching out to others to help them deal with life challenges.”
Culturally, some individuals don't seek support because of the stigma associated with MH treatment. Being part of an organization that promotes the utilization of the life experience of others (Peers) to support that mission is definitely needed in our communities and pressing toward that is our future. I want to be a part of this movement.
I believe that peer support is a very powerful process that can help more individuals than are currently reached. My impression is that many trained peers are underutilized, underpaid and underappreciated in our healthcare system. I see iNAPS as having the responsibility, to bring recognition to the role of peer specialists, to further research about the efficacy of peer support and to have an impact on the medical model that tends to limit peers.
