As Peer Supporters how do we support people in these stressful times?
It is important that we practice in the way we have always worked; from a place of compassion and empathy. That we stand with people and hear their concerns and fears. That we validate their feelings; without feeding into any hysteria about the virus.
How do we do that?
We stay up to date with information about what is happening. This allows us to be able to have discussions about what is happening and to provide links to useful resources.
Click on links below:
As Peer Supporters, or as we at RPLYT call Exploration Facilitators, our role is to support people to explore their options. By supporting people to have the accurate facts and encouraging them to talk about their fears, concerns, hopes, dreams, etc., we support them to decide for themselves what they want to do as they move forward through this time. It may be just supporting them to see that they are doing everything they can already. The discussions we have with people, can support them to see that their fears are not theirs alone, that many people feel uncertain about what the future holds. It is the strength of knowing that we are all in this together and, as a community supporting each other, we can get through it.
As Peer Supporters, let’s:
- validate people’s feelings (remember our thoughts and feelings are our reality)
- support people getting accurate information
- allow people to just be silent if they wish; we can just be there with them – in person, videoconferencing or on the phone
- let them know they are not alone; that you are there with them
- support people to find those moments where they are not focused on the doom and gloom; where they get to do normal things that support their health and wellness – whatever that is for that person.
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