Our Peer Mentors are individuals who have lived experience of homelessness, substance use and recovery and/or mental health issues.

They are stable in their recovery and are motivated to use their experiences to support others through a similar journey, especially as they know how challenging recovery can be. They are role models and an inspiration, helping our clients make positive changes and making recovery visible in the community.

As well as supporting others, being a Peer Mentor also gives you a chance to build your own skills and confidence, with the possibility of going into further training, education or employment.

Think this could be right for you? Find out how to get involved below:

Training Programme

Due to Covid-19 our training programmes are taking place online. The sessions cover everything from mentoring skills to substance use awareness to safeguarding and boundaries.

This to ensure all our Mentors are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to carry out their roles safely and to a good standard; able to support our clients as best possible; and cope with any challenges they may face in their role.

Day-to-day role and support

Every day is different for our Peer Mentors. From accompanying clients to appointments to running groups to simply being a listening ear, you'll provide a number of vital roles in our services.

Peer Mentors play a key role across all of SHP with each Mentor role tailored to ensure it meets the demands of that particular service - whether that be in a supported hostel or community support setting. They also have a say in the way aspects of our services are delivered, and provide valuable insight into the needs of our clients.

Our Camden Recovery and Islington Aftercare services and Big-Lottery funded Fulfilling Lives in Islington and Camden (FLIC) service have specific Peer Mentoring models. Find out more here.

All our peer mentors are supported in their role by trained staff members who support their well-being and professional development through Personal Development Plans, regular supervisions and additional support and training where appropriate. 

Developing skills and confidence

Becoming a peer mentor can be the first vital step when it comes to getting back into work.  

A well as building the recovery capacity of Mentors, our programme gives them the opportunity to develop vocational skills, experience and qualifications - with particular relevance for careers in health and social care. Volunteering your time can also be a good way to show employers that you are ready for work.

In 2018-19, two Peer Mentors with our Camden Recovery Service transitioned into employment, becoming support assistants with the service. Two of our FLIC Peer Mentors are now employed by SHP as support workers in one of our hostels in Westminister.

Are you interested in becoming a peer mentor?

Email our Peer Mentor Team

If you would like to find out more about our Peer Mentoring programme at The Camden Recovery Service then click here 

If you would like to find out more about our Peer Mentoring programme at FLIC then click here