Young adults facing a stay in a mental health hospital across County Durham and Tees Valley will soon have extra support from people who’ve been there themselves.
In partnership with Darlington Mind, Teesside Mind and The Cornforth Partnership, Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) is introducing three new peer support workers to work alongside patients aged 18–25.
Drawing on their own lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery, the peer workers will offer understanding, reassurance and practical help at what can be an overwhelming and unfamiliar time. They will support young people throughout their stay – helping them find their feet on the ward, build confidence and prepare for life beyond hospital.
'We know that linking people with others who have lived experience can have a powerful impact on people’s recovery journey. Having someone that has been in your shoes, knows how it feels and can give you a sense of hope for the future can make a real difference. These new roles will help young people feel understood, supported and connected at a crucial moment in their care journey.' Emma Scarr, Service Manager for Urgent Care Adult Mental Health Inpatient Services (TEWV)
How it will work:
Each organisation is hosting one peer support worker, who is based in the community but will be working directly into one of the trust’s three main hospital sites:
West Park Hospital, Darlington
Roseberry Park, Middlesbrough
Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham
The roles will also focus on making sure support continues after discharge, linking young people with community and crisis services and helping them feel more confident about where to turn if they need help in the future.
Ambition:
'I’m very excited to start my role. I applied for the job after experiencing my own mental health journey and I really want to help others as they go through theirs. Leaving hospital can be a scary time for many, so I want to be that friendly face that comes along for the ride and hopefully helps people feel heard and validated and most importantly of all, not alone.' Rebekah Gee, Peer Support Worker from Darlington Mind
The ambition is that this early, relatable support will help reduce the time young people need to stay in hospital, as well as lowering the likelihood of future readmissions.
'I look forward to becoming the person I once needed. Coming from a background of family support and youth work, I’ve always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. This role gives me that opportunity'. Beth Reid, Peer Support Worker from the Cornforth Partnership
Stronger together:
This partnership demonstrates the benefits of collaboration and that we are stronger when we work together. Working in this way enables us to reach and support more local young people and allows us to share knowledge and expertise amongst the team, which is of huge benefit to all. Gaynor Goad, Peer Support Team Lead at Teesside Mind
Article provided by TEWV.
Find out more:
Darlington Mind - https://www.darlingtonmind.com/
Teesside Mind - https://www.teessidemind.org.uk/
The Cornforth Partnership - https://cornforthpartnership.info/
TEWV - https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/