Peer support volunteering

So I haven't worked in three years because of my illness and being so unstable. I've been in and out of the hospital all three years. I've spent SO much time
Working on myself and getting better! I want to do peer support as a new career. My t supports me in this endeavor!

She contacted the project coordinator for the peer support program at the local mental health organization and she's excited to someday have me! She said if I want I can volunteer at their day program. I'm so excited. This will give me the opportunity to learn about the job and get a feel for it before I sign up for training (which isn't until spring.) I am calling tomorrow to inquire about it.

I'm Nervous and very excited!! I want to do this. It will also give me a bit of responsibility before Jumping back into working even part time.

Any good vibes would be appreciated!!

On a side note, I'm totally depressed and irritable lately so in hoping that goes away!

Congratulations and good luck. This sounds like it could be a very positive experience for you. Keep us posted on how it's going.

I too am away to start as a volunteer Peer Support Worker. I have to have a medical as it's working for the NHS (UK's health board) which is natural. So it can take 10 weeks or so. I'm nervous but excited. Let us know how you get on..... I think we will both be fine :-)

Congratulations, and don't be nervous. You'll do great!

Thanks! I called and Left A message for the lady. Hopefully she'll call back later

Good luck with the job and volunteering. Hope it all works out for you.

What is peer support volunteering?

Not sure exactly what I'll be doing yet but the day program is for adults with severe mental illness. They have groups and activities

Good luck, hope all goes well!

I talked to her!!!!
We discussed my options and it looks like I will be helping to lead an recovery centered art/craft group every other week. She's going to try to help me with gas so I can come more Often maybe!

I'm so excited!!!!

Hallie, if you don't mind me asking, how did this opportunity present itself....did you search out volunteer opportunities and if so, how? I'm not in a place for it now, but I hope that in time I will have something to offer and what you are doing interests me very much.

Well I have been in a crisis unit where peer support specialists worked twice a week. But, I used to want to be a therapist. My therapist actually brought it up that I would be good at it then I told her how I was interested in it to begin with. She then spoke to the peer support project coordinator for our local mental health organization about me. That lady told her she was excited I was interested! The PSS training isn't until the spring so I can't go yet. But, she told me therapist I could volunteer if I was interested in that!! I got her contact info and called her and we talked for a long time today about ourselves and a couple of volunteer options. One was an outreach program and the other was this craft group! I can go every week or every other and I said every other because of the cost of gas. She actually even said she will try to get me help with the cost of gas! Then, we talked about who she can help me get my foot in the door to be a peer support specialist!

I'm so excited and thankful I have those two nice ladies to help me in this adventure! I already have cool craft ideas for the group.

That is really wonderful....I can sense your excitement and it's really wonderful to witness. I'd love to hear updates on your new adventure....it's very inspiring

Thanks!!! I see my t Thursday and I'm excited to hear her opinion on it!

Hello, I am a fulltime Certified Peer Support Specialist at a State Hospital. I was diagnosed at 15 with Schizoaffective Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. I work with adolescents and adults. I run 4 groups a week along with several 1:1 sessions. I started volunteering 2 years ago and within 10 months was offered a part time contract, 2 months after that I applied for a fulltime position. Before volunteering I had been working on my recovery for 6 years. I was able to get to a point in my recovery where I no longer needed medications. When I started the fulltime position I became a little overwhelmed, not by the peers, the staff. My auditory and visual hallucinations started to become present and I began a low dose of Zyprexa 2.5mg. I love what I do. I am so thankful that I get to talk to all these beautiful people everyday and empower them to live their life the way they want to. I tell my recovery story and use this tool to let other peers know that MI is not who they are but an obstacle they can overcome. I am so grateful that you have chosen to use your life experience with MI to empower and inspire others. Much love and peace.

Thanks!!! I want to start with volunteering so I can get a sense of the work before going back to work full time!