Case Sudies
To give you an introduction to the different approaches, you can first gain a taste of each project’s use of peer support and mentoring below, which work south from Fraserburgh to Edinburgh.
Lifeshaper programme
Aberdeen Foyer uses peer support in their main 12-week Lifeshaper programme to help young people recovering from homelessness and addictions to encourage each other to try new things and keep moving forward. Trained mentors with the same background work with each group and tell them what is possible, set an example, and help participants explore their own skills and potential. In the Advanced Lifeshaper programme, participants support prospective clients to start thinking about changing their life, showing them what is possible and encouraging them. Advanced Lifeshaper participants also take part in a range of community activities.
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Lifeshaper Case Study
The Orbit Approach
Dundee Association for Mental Health’s Orbit Approach, encourages drop-in participants to try new activities and gradually start sharing their own skills with others by leading or supporting groups. Taking part earns “galaxies” which participants can spend on complementary therapies to improve their sense of wellbeing and look after themselves. People in the groups encourage each other and often develop supportive and understanding friendships. Over time people also gain confidence and emerge as mentors within groups, providing encouragement from a different perspective than staff can. There is no time limit to using the service but people tend to gradually develop more confidence, skills and community connections and move forward.
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Orbit Approach Case Study
Next Steps
Run by Carnegie College, in partnership with many other local organisations, Next Steps does group work with people recovering from addictions and helps them develop confidence, soft skills and a sense of direction. Peer support is key within groups and each group also includes a mentor, who may have used the project earlier. Participants can also opt to have a mentor on a one-to-one basis or to have an advocate with a similar background support them in particular situations, such as a visits from a housing officer. Mentors go through accredited training and must have moved beyond the project themselves for at least six months before they can take part. They are also encouraged to take part in any training courses that interest them and to apply for internal posts.
Community Renewal
This organisation works in deprived neighbourhoods across Central Scotland, using community animators to knock on doors and warm up hundreds of economically inactive house-holders and put them in contact with a range of local services that come together in a neighbourhood centre. The animators come from similar backgrounds to the people they work with, often the same area, so they have credibility with their clients. Because listening and encouragement are central to their work, they act as mentors providing guidance, support and friendship. The projects also put residents with similar interests together for both social opportunities and community action. By the time Community Renewal is finished working in an area it has created a wealth of local capacity and social supports that will last in the neighbourhood. They also help a large number of people into work.
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Community Renewal Case Study
Think Again
Apex Scotland collaborates with Edinburgh Napier University on this intensive 10-week programme that prepares ex-offenders for further or higher education and helps them overcome barriers. The group dynamic and commitment of participants to try whatever activities come up mean that peers on the course encourage each other to try new things, look at life and themselves differently, and more confidently move forward. Apex also brings in successful people with a similar background to tell their stories of what is possible, answer questions and encourage participants. This one-off mentoring is also helpful.
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Think Again Case Study