Two SHP Peer Mentors, Tony and Deb, have won an award celebrating their outstanding achievement in supporting others.

SHP’s Peer Mentors are individuals who have lived experience which they use to support others through a similar journey. This experience includes homelessness, substance use and mental health challenges. Tony and Deb volunteer with our Camden Recovery and Islington Aftercare service which supports recovering substance users into education, training or employment.

Both were awarded the Peer Mentor Recognition Awards by Evolve Housing & Support and St Giles Trust for their continuing support of clients in the service. They received a certificate and glass award from the London Mayor’s Office.

Focused on supporting others

Deb said: “I love being a peer mentor and getting the award has made me so happy and grateful. It means I can give back and help people in the situation I was in.

I would also just like to say that’s an honour to win this award whilst being part of such a great organisation like SHP. I can honestly say if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be where I am today.”

Tony said “I truly thought it was a mistake when I heard about the award, but I am truly chuffed. The award is sitting on my shelf and reminds me that I am doing something truly worthwhile, supporting others who were just like me.”

[Being a Peer Mentor] means I can give back and help people in the situation I was in.
Capping off a good year

The award comes only a few months after our commitment to putting lived experience at the heart of our service delivery was recognised by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations’ Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.

Rosie Holliday, Peer Mentor Team Manager, said: “I’m truly delighted that Deb and Tony have been recognised for their hard work and commitment.

Both have been key assets in building SHP’s Peer Mentoring programme over the last two years; and we hope this award will encourage them to take the next step into employment.

I’m so proud of what our Peer Mentors have achieved and they deserve the external recognition for their amazing work.”

Find out more about our Peer Mentoring Programme here.