Understanding Peer support

Great wellbeing is best described as having CHIME:

Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning, Empowerment.

The key to creating CHIME are others. Humans are social beings and we need each other. This looks like a network of support; people giving and receiving.

This is also known as peer support, where people, connect with each other through shared similar experiences (and support each other).

To understand more watch this short animation.

I want to receive or give peer-support
How do I choose what is right for me at this time?

1. Reflect without judgement: Consider these questions with a trusted supporter, friend, or yourself.
2. Be honest: This will help you decide which options will work now and which you might like to try later.
3. There is no ‘wrong’ choice or failure: Just a more helpful choice for you at this time.

First steps: Navigate Mental Health Pathways in Moray

Speed – How fast do I need support? – swift services have less timer icons.
Support – How much support do I need? – high support services have more hand icons.
Access – Do I need to see my GP? – services are available that don’t need a GP referral.
Options – Am I considering all the options? – select more than one service to try.

How do I choose what is right for me at this time?

Going further: CHIME – Build a better understanding of yourself

Connectedness: How ready am I to connect with others?
Accepting support and giving support to others is a key part of good health. Building confidence as an active community member can take time but makes a big difference to wellbeing.

Hope & optimism: How motivated am I to continue to explore and try different things?
It is unlikely you will find all the answers or support straight away. Trying different approaches need different support levels. Reflect on what you are going to need and how far you want to go in understanding yourself at this time.

Identity: How do I want to view myself?
Having a diagnosis or label is important to some people and can bring resources and support with it. In medical based services you are a ‘patient’, with others you are a ‘student’ or a ‘peer’ of recovery of wellbeing. Different roles can carry particular positive or negative associations for some people.

Meaning: Is my issue about something else as well?
Housing, debt, relationships, caring for family, employability – these all have other specific support services in Moray. Don’t forget that you can use these services too, they may even had additional support for neurodivergent individuals.

Empowerment: Who is/are the right person or people to help me make decisions?
Exploring our options and speaking out to say what we need can be shared with others such as supporters or friends. Learning this skill helps others to understand and act on our needs faster.