Peer support guidelines

This document presents the foundations and guidelines of peer support practice, based on knowledge and experience gathered from peer helpers and peer support organizations across the country.

The document is divided into two parts.

The first includes:

• The values and guiding principles to be respected by peer helpers;
• The principles governing the practice of peer support;
• The need for experiential experience and recovery;
• The skills, aptitudes and personal qualities of the peer helper;
• Recommendations relating to knowledge and training;
• Improving knowledge and skills;
• The importance of belonging to a community of practice;
• Overcoming barriers to accessibility.

The second part focuses on the training of peer carers and describes the skills and knowledge required for this practice.