Peer Support Service for people with mental health difficulties shortlisted for prestigious national award

By hailadmin
Tuesday, 23rd May 2023
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HAIL - the specialist housing association primarily for people with mental health difficulties – has been shortlisted for an award at the Irish Healthcare Awards 2023 which takes place this Friday, 26th May for its Peer Support Service.

The Peer Support Service provides social support to HAIL tenants, clients and those referred from HSE Mental Health Teams to help them with their mental health recovery.

The Service was introduced in 2016 and is delivered by volunteers called Peer Support Volunteers, who all have lived experience of mental health difficulty. The Peer Support Volunteers are trained by HAIL to provide one-to-one and group support based on their own experience of mental health difficulty.

There are currently 20 Peer Support Volunteers who complement the work of HAIL staff. The Peer Support Volunteers help HAIL clients with their mental health recovery by supporting them develop the skills to live independently and sustain their tenancy drawn from their own lived experience.

The Peer Support Volunteers also run a programme of social activities to provide a social support network for people who may be feeling isolated in their community. The activities include: the HAIL United football team, a music group, a book club, a walking group, a women's group and a drama group.

Commenting today (23.05.23), CEO of HAIL Martina Smith, said: “We’re delighted our Peer Support Service has been shortlisted for an award at the upcoming Irish Healthcare Awards. We would like to congratulate the Peer Support Volunteers and the HAIL staff who work on the project for this fantastic achievement.

“This is well deserved recognition for the vital role the Peer Support Volunteers play in supporting people with their mental health recovery. We greatly value the important contribution the Peer Support Volunteers make to our organisation and we look forward to seeing the Service continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

Una a Peer Support Volunteer, added: “I did the course in 2016 to become a Peer Support Volunteer. I love being a Peer to first of all enhance my own self-worth and purpose in life and to help other people feel well in their lives. I hope to be a Peer Support Volunteer for many years to come.”

The Peer Support Service has been shortlisted at the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2023 under the category: Mental Health Care - Community / Out Patient Setting. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on Friday, 26th May.