There is a growing body of evidence of the value of peer support for people living with long-term health conditions or disability, and particularly mental health conditions.
Such support is associated with a number of health and social outcomes – including reduced hospital admissions, an increased sense of independence and empowerment, and higher self esteem, confidence, social connectedness and community integration. This invite only event will explore these issue in more detail.
To this end, The Work Foundation and Disability Rights UK are holding a roundtable event today to bring together a range of subject experts to identify the key issues and discuss how we might take this forward.
Speakers include Stephen Bevan (Director, The Work Foundation) and Liz Sayce (CEO, Disability Rights UK) and Justin Tomlinson, Disabilities Minister.
Speaking at the event Liz Sayce said:
“Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) know that peer support by and for disabled people can make a real difference for people who are keen to work: they can gain from support, encouragement and an equal power relationship with other disabled people who are seeking work or already progressing in their careers.
From peer mentoring to Job Clubs and leadership programmes, there is a body of experience that has the potential to be scaled up. We are delighted to be working with the Work Foundation, DPOs from different parts of the country, Public Health England and other partners to collect evidence on ‘what works’ - for whom, when and how - in peer support for employment, to underpin significant future development.”