Peer Support

Looking after each other at work

A Workplace Peer Support Program is a network of carefully selected and trained employees in your organisation (‘Peer Support Officers’ or ‘PSOs’) who act as a first point of contact for co-workers who may benefit from mental health support. Peer Support programs acknowledge that many employees will often talk with their peers about difficulties before speaking with managers, HR or health professionals.

A comprehensive Peer Support Program in your workplace can assist with:

  • The proactive identification of work and/or personal concerns to assist and empower individuals to take action early before problems escalate.
  • Reducing stigma around mental ill-health and normalising help-seeking.
  • Increasing communication and connection between team members to improve inclusion and a sense of wellbeing within the workplace.
  • Enhancing workplace resilience and supporting problem-solving.

A Peer Support Program can be one part of an integrated approach to workplace mental health, and can be part of a strategy for managing psychosocial risks in the workplace.

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About the Peer Support Officer role

PSOs (sometimes referred to as ‘Mental Health First Aiders’) are selected from your workforce and receive training to provide a confidential listening ear for employees, but they are not counsellors. They provide initial support and, where appropriate, information about how an employee can access further support and assistance. The PSO role is voluntary and, in most workplaces, does not attract additional pay.

What Peer Support Officers can do

  • Identify and engage one-on-one with employees who may be experiencing mental health concerns.
  • Provide confidential support and information about how an employee can access further assistance and empower the person to take action that is right for them.
  • Provide support to employees who have been involved in critical incidents (in conjunction with management and/or your Employee Assistance Program.
  • Promote positive mental health in the workplace (e.g. promoting wellbeing initiatives and sharing information about mental health resources).

What Peer Support Officers can’t do

  • PSOs are not counsellors and are not responsible for ‘fixing’ issues.
Peer support program in the workplace

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Head Strong delivers best practice in Peer Support Programs

A successful Peer Support Program requires more than just delivering Mental Health First Aid training. Best practice guidelines[1] suggest that you should ensure your PSOs:

  • Undergo an application and selection process prior to commencing in the peer support role.
  • Be trained in the basic skills of the role (listening skills, psychological first aid, information about support services and referral options) before commencing as a PSO.
  • Participate in ongoing training, coaching, review and accreditation.
  • Be able to easily access support and advice from a mental health professional to assist them in their role and to support their self-care.

At Head Strong, we have the expertise and experience to set your Peer Support Program up so that it succeeds.

Our approach involves:

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PHASE 1: Program Planning & Initiation

  • Initial advice and planning.
  • Policies and procedures that you can customise to fit your work context.
  • Fact sheets and templates to invite expressions of interest for the PSO role.
  • Support with the selection process.

PHASE 2: Foundation Training

  • Selected employees complete a 2-day Mental Health First Aid OR Peer Support Foundation Training program to develop their skills in active listening and their knowledge of referral and support options.
  • The training is delivered by skilled mental health professionals with significant experience working with individuals and workplaces in relation to mental health.

PHASE 3: Program Launch

  • Assistance to launch the Peer Support Program and promote your network of PSOs.
  • Assistance with promotional templates and information for the workplace to explain the role of PSOs.

PHASE 4: Ongoing Training & Support

  • Ongoing short training sessions (can be in-person or online) for your PSOs to maintain their skills and engagement.
  • Ongoing support can also be made available to address any challenges that may arise.

[1] Development of guidelines on peer support using the Delphi Method, Phoenix Australia, 2011

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