The Importance of Peer Support

Peer support is at the heart of what we do. Drawing upon personal experience of the challenges of living with a spinal cord injury, the peer support volunteers are able to provide support to those in the spinal unit and also those in the community. The peer support team have a wealth of knowledge about living life after a spinal cord injury and each have different experiences they are happy to discuss.

Peer Support can be defined as the help and support that people with lived experience of a living with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) or disability.

It may be social, emotional or practical support but importantly this support is mutually offered and reciprocal, allowing peers to benefit from the support whether they are giving or receiving it.

Key elements of Peer Support in Spinal Injuries Scotland include that it is built on shared personal experience and empathy, it focuses on an individual's strengths not weaknesses, and works towards the individual's wellbeing and recovery.

The benefits of Peer Support are wide ranging for those receiving the support, peer-support workers themselves, and for the health system as a whole. One of the key benefits of Peer Support is the greater perceived empathy and respect that peer supporters are seen to have for the individuals they support.

Peer Support also has benefits for peer support workers themselves, increasing levels of self-esteem, confidence and positive feelings that they are doing good. Peer-support workers often experience an increase in their own ability to cope with their own problems.

Peer Support also benefits the health system as a whole as it can lead to decrease in hospital admissions for those taking part.

Who Can Benefit From Peer Support?

We provide Peer Support to those who are newly injured and just beginning their rehabilitation journey; to those who have been living with SCI for many years; and to their family and friends.

We believe that everyone can benefit from Peer Support, whether it's getting advice on challenges that you face, daily hints and tips or you just need a friendly chat... we are here for you!

How Can Get Peer Support?

You can contact our Peer Support Team on our Free Helpline - 0800 0132 305

We have weekly Zoom "Coffee meet and greets" information can be found on our events page

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