My training as a Peer Support Specialist was a life changing experience. Myself and nineteen other people were chosen to be the first in England to take up this amazing opportunity.
Everyone, including myself, was so supportive. It was a natural reaction to the intensity of a ten-day course, which under normal circumstances would take five weeks to cover. The schedule consisted of eight hours per day, nine-thirty to five-thirty. Half an hour for lunch and mid morning and afternoon breaks of fifteen minutes, strictly observed, with an hour or two of homework each night. We took home a mid-term test at the weekend, which took six to eight hours to complete.
Our trainer came over from America, where the training programme was developed. He is an inspiring teacher, who lived and breathed everything he lovingly taught. And gave one hundred and ten per cent. Which is probably the reason we made such an effort. EVERYONE finished the course.
The principle of being a Peer Support is that we have all experienced mental health issues (This is the main requirement to be eligible to become a Peer Support Specialist) We spent an entire day, where all twenty of us told our story and shared what, if anything has helped us on our journey. It was a very humbling and moving experience. I felt privileged to be amongst such brave and resilient survivors. It strengthened my determination. It was probably the turning point, when I realised I had been putting myself in the victim mode.
Doing the course has brought out my strengths.
I feel more positive, a renewed optimism.
My confidence and self-esteem has been given a big boost.
I knew support was important, but now realise it is essential.
I was so encouraged by my peers. It also helped me to see how I can be encouraging to others.
To 'hold the hope' for them, when they can't quite see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I was reminded, that I don't need to fix peoples problems - what a relief- 'that they are the expert'.
I now believe recovery is possible.
Now I'm just waiting to see what exciting prospects lay ahead. I'm so grateful to everyone concerned, for the opportunity I have experienced
Teresa Hayes
Volunteer and committee member for Activ8/Focus
Please send us your experiences so they can be added here.
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small.
Please send them to us: positive@activ8network.org
Or post them to:
Be Positive
Activ8
6 Trinity Street
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 1HG