Core Principles of Peer Support

Core Principles of Peer Support

• Mutual: We have a first-hand understanding of the experience of mental health challenges and the social implications, feelings, stigma, and life-long journey of recovery that accompany that experience.
• Reciprocal: We share and explore each others’ perceptions of the world and walk together toward what we want.
• Non-directive: We discover what works best for each of us, being careful never to tell someone what they should do.
• Recovery focused: We share hope and opportunities for community integration to allow each other to have control of our own recovery.
• Strengths based: We focus on what we’re good at, what we enjoy, and how we can use our strengths instead of focusing on illness or barriers.
• Inclusive: We work effortlessly to ensure each participant has access to enjoy the community’s resources despite their differences.
• Progressive: Our relationships are always growing and changing, similar to our recovery.
• Safe: We define safety for ourselves and negotiate our safety standards with each other through compassion, authenticity, and acceptance.