@article{ref1,
title="Peer-to-peer mental health: a community evaluation case study",
journal="Journal of mental health training, education and practice",
year="2015",
author="Flegg, M. and Gordon-Walker, M. and Maguire, S.",
volume="10",
number="5",
pages="282-293",
abstract="PURPOSE - The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a third-sector community review into peer-to-peer best practices in mental health service provision in Sussex. This community initiative was funded by the Big Lottery to explore the benefits of the peer-led approach on individual and public health outcomes and identify avenues for partnership working. <br><br>DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH - A total of 131 participants who had engaged with peer-to-peer services both as receivers and providers of support were invited to share knowledge and best-practice expertise via a survey, focus groups and a public consultation day. <br><br>FINDINGS - This case study review suggests peer-to-peer support services as an innovative approach to reducing suicide, self-harm, reliance on public health services (GPs, hospital stays, etc.) and engaging with drugs, alcohol and criminal activity. In addition to offering a holistic and social approach to mental health, it further identifies that engagement in peer-to-peer activities potentially provide long-term benefits by reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions and treatment. This review highlights the importance of third-sector groups in providing peer-to-peer mental health support services. It recommends a network of Peer-to-Peer services to share best practices and improve partnership working. <br><br>ORIGINALITY/VALUE - Conducted by and for people with personal or family experiences with mental health challenges, this review captures the often inaccessible ideas of a highly marginalised group. It communicates how they would prefer to work in partnership with academic institutions, public and statutory service to improve individual and community health outcomes. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1755-6228",
doi="10.1108/JMHTEP-04-2015-0019",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-04-2015-0019"
}