The DOI matches its Crossref record; 51 of the 51 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
A review of the literature on peer support in mental health services
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although mutual support and self-help groups based on shared experience play a large part in recovery, the employment of peer support workers (PSWs) in mental health services is a recent development. However, peer support has been implemented outside the UK and is showing great promise in facilitating recovery. AIMS: This article aims to review the literature on PSWs employed in mental health services to provide a description of the development, impact and challenges presented by the employment of PSWs and to inform implementation in the UK. METHOD: An inclusive search of published and grey literature was undertaken to identify all studies of intentional peer support in mental health services. Articles were summarised and findings analysed. RESULTS: The literature demonstrates that PSWs can lead to a reduction in admissions among those with whom they work. Additionally, associated improvements have been reported on numerous issues that can impact on the lives of people with mental health problems. CONCLUSION: PSWs have the potential to drive through recovery-focused changes in services. However, many challenges are involved in the development of peer support. Careful training, supervision and management of all involved are required.
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“In contrast, enablers identified, such as PSW's, community knowledge, and relationally sensitive delivery, echo growing recognition of the value of peer‐led interventions in addressing social needs [21, 22].”
From A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring How Food Insecurity Screening can be Embedded in Routine Mental Health Care for Adults With Severe Mental Illness (2026) · cites this paper as [22]
In the citing paper
“Systematic reviews from HICs on peer support indicated promising results, in terms of increased empowerment, confidence, self-esteem, hope, social support and functioning, for both the peers and persons with mental illness [25, 28].”
From Barefoot therapists: barriers and facilitators to delivering maternal mental health care through peer volunteers in Pakistan: a qualitative study (2016) · cites this paper as [25]
In the citing paper
“Other studies have also indicated similar factors as the driving force behind volunteering. Factors such as willingness to help others [53–56], increase in social and personal knowledge [49, 53], better job prospects [25] and improved overall wellbeing [28] are the common motivators reported by the peers in several studies.”
From Barefoot therapists: barriers and facilitators to delivering maternal mental health care through peer volunteers in Pakistan: a qualitative study (2016) · cites this paper as [25]
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Metadata
- Authors
- Repper, J., & Carter, T.
- Affiliations
- University of Nottingham (GB)
- Lincoln County Hospital (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Repper, Julie
- Venue
- Journal of Mental Health
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2011-07-19
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 392-411
- ISSN
- 0963-8237 (ISSN-L)
- 1360-0567
- OpenAlex
- W2079523174
- Cited by
- 1,103
- References
- 51
- Citations by year
- 2026: 91 · 2025: 106 · 2024: 97 · 2023: 85 · 2022: 127 · 2021: 97 · 2020: 87 · 2019: 79 · 2018: 77 · 2017: 72 · 2016: 51 · 2015: 49 · 2014: 38 · 2013: 25 · 2012: 18
- FWCI
- 4.40
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Mental Health (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mental Health and Patient Involvement
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychiatric care and mental health services
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Family Caregiving in Mental Illness
- Keywords
- peer support workers, peer support, mental health services, recovery, self-help groups, service user involvement, training and supervision, implementation barriers
- MeSH terms
- Mental Disorders, Humans, Mental Health Services, Peer Group, Self-Help Groups, Social Support, Treatment Outcome
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