Published on: 20th September 2017
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is offering individuals with lived experience of mental health difficulties an opportunity to support young people who are using mental health services.
The Trust’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is introducing peer support workers into its community teams, and is keen for people with ‘lived experience’ and a passion for working with young people to apply.
Peer support roles are designed for individuals who want to use their own experience of mental health problems to help support others who are going through difficult times. A range of full and part-time paid positions are available.
Amy Butler, Service Manager Community CAMHS, explained:
The young people we work with often tell us that they feel alone and isolated. A peer support worker can offer something extra that we as trained mental health professionals can’t – their shared experience and stories of recovery can help current patients feel that somebody out there truly understands, which instils hope of recovery.
As a peer support worker’s knowledge comes from personal experience rather than professional training, they can also help bridge the ‘them and us’ divide that can sometimes worry the young people we care for.
The peer support workers will provide emotional and practical support to young people and their families, building positive relationships and helping them to discover their strengths and feel hopeful about the future.
Abbie Futter, CAMHS Peer Support and Involvement Lead, added:
We already have peer support workers within our adult services so we understand the value they can add for our patients.
The new peer support workers will be part of the CAMHS team, working alongside psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses and social workers.
As well as being a chance to make a difference by helping others, we hope that people will see the role as a great job opportunity for themselves. We are looking specifically for applicants over 18 years old who have used CAMHS themselves and who are passionate about mental health and advocating for the views of young people. Successful applicants will receive peer support training and ongoing support from the wider team.
Positions are available in Boston, Louth, Lincoln and Grantham. Applications must be made online at www.jobs.nhs.uk by 26 September 2017. To find out more contact Abbie Futter on 01522 421 690 or abbie.futter@lpft.nhs.uk, or call LPFT Employment Services on 01529 222 280.
