Peer Support in Mental Health: Mental Health Question Time, London - 27th January 2025 #MHQT

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Exploring the Impact and Challenges of Peer Support in Mental Health

On Monday 27th January 2025, the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Mental Health (MHPRU) ran this special event on peer support in mental health hosted by Prof Sonia Johnson, Director of the Policy Research Unit in Mental Health.

This insightful session features an esteemed panel discussing the complexities and impacts of peer support, drawing on recent research and personal experiences. The speakers include:

Patrick Nyikavaranda - A co-lead for the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Mental Health's public involvement and engagement, and a research fellow specializing in epidemiology and applied clinical research. Patrick has very wide experience as a lived experience researcher, in leading lived experience input for studies and community initiatives, and in training and mentoring in a range of community settings.

Julie Repper – Director of ImROC and a leading advocate for recovery-oriented practices, with a focus on the use of peer workers to drive recovery focused organisational change.

Mel Ball – Started her career as a peer worker, and now Director of Lived Experience at the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, providing insights into the role of lived experience in shaping mental health care and policy.

Sharif Mussa – A dedicated Mental Health Nurse with a strong background in lived experience practice and peer support work sharing a dual perspective grounded in lived and professional experience.

Brynmor Lloyd-Evans – Co-Director of the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Mental Health and joint Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Applied Clinical Research at UCL, who had a leading role in the MHPRU research project on peer support.

Karen Machin – A researcher and carer peer support worker, focusing on raising awareness of peer support needs, including being co-director at “With You”, designed to develop and deliver training for Peer Supporters, including delivery for Trusts.

Isaac Samuels - An established community campaigner, co-production advisor and a representative of Camerados, a social movement that encourages support for one another through "Public Living Rooms" including hospitals, universities and community spaces.

Key questions discussed include:
- 'What are the priorities for integrating peer support workers into local mental health systems?',
- 'What does the current research suggest about deploying peer workers in mental healthcare?',
- 'How can peer support bridge the gap between lived experience and clinical practice?',
- 'Can peer support fit with digital mental health?',
- 'How can we ensure accessibility and effectiveness of peer support across diverse communities?', and
- 'What research could enhance future peer support provision?'

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:21 Overview of the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Mental Health (MHPRU)
01:00 Recording and Event Logistics
01:30 Research on Peer Support
03:08 Panel Discussion Begins
04:09 Insights from Mel Ball
10:04 Research Evidence on Peer Support
15:43 Defining Peer Support
18:43 Sharif Mussa on Bridging Gaps
25:27 Karen Machin on Digital Peer Support
33:06 Isaac Samuels Perspective on Community Peer Support
36:13 Principles of Peer Support
37:29 Personal Experiences and Peer Support
38:32 The Role of Peer Support in Mental Health
39:34 Challenges and Opportunities in Peer Support
42:41 Research and Evaluation of Peer Support
45:59 Peer Support in Diverse Communities
47:42 Implementing Peer Support in Systems
49:36 Audience Questions and Panel Discussion
01:05:16 Final Thoughts and Networking