Youth Peer Support Workers

Uses

How it works

Benefits

Risks & contraindications

Where it comes from

Highlighted claims

• Youth peer support workers are young people with lived mental health experience who provide structured one-on-one or group support to near-age youth generally aged 12 to 25. — Rapid realist review of organisational supports for youth peer support workers
• Peer support is valuable because it offers non-judgemental, accessible support that complements traditional health services. — Rapid realist review of organisational supports for youth peer support workers
• Peer workers can face workplace risks including stigma, unclear roles, pressure to appear fully recovered, retraumatisation, and precarious employment. — Rapid realist review of organisational supports for youth peer support workers
• In Canada, youth peer support is primarily delivered through hospitals, community-based organisations, and Integrated Youth Service hubs. — Rapid realist review of organisational supports for youth peer support workers
• The peer worker role can support self-determination, recovery, resilience to self-stigma, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and professional development. — Rapid realist review of organisational supports for youth peer support workers
• Nine studies found peer workers felt pressure to represent wellness or recovery in idealised ways, despite fluctuating personal wellness. — Rapid realist review of organisational supports for youth peer support workers
• Young peer workers often enter roles with limited or inconsistent employment histories because lived experience of mental ill health can disrupt education and employment. — Rapid realist review of organisational supports for youth peer support workers
• When peers see their lived experience helping others they may develop stronger self-worth and overcome internalised stigma. — Rapid realist review of organisational supports for youth peer support workers