Exploring Peer Support in the VCSE Sector: Insights from Chapter

In January, Michael Court (Project Lead) and Mariana Dias (Assistant Project Manager) from the NHS Benchmarking Network (NHSBN) Peer Support Workers (PSW) team, interviewed Chapter CEO Jolene Weaver to understand the role of peer support workers in the VCSE sector. The discussion focussed on good practice, training and how the NHSBN PSW census could be more inclusive of the VCSE sector. This conversation took place after small numbers of data submissions were received from organisations within this sector, thus representing a potential area for improvement. By reaching out to Chapter, the NHSBN team were able to also present the benefits of participating in future iterations of the PSW census, such as receiving a report with the organisation’s position benchmarked against the national figure.

Jolene introduced Chapter, a Cheshire-based mental health VCSE organisation with a 30-year history of supporting individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges. Despite being a small charity, Chapter has a significant impact on the community through a range of services including, group sessions – such as male-only groups, arts and crafts workshops, and one-to-one coaching using tools like the Mental Health Recovery Star. 

In terms of training, all Chapter staff undergo both in-house and external peer support worker training. In-house training covers essential topics such as boundaries and the organisation’s policies, while external training broadens staff knowledge and enhances their skills. 

To ensure peer support workers feel supported in their roles, Chapter has implemented several good practices. Regular support sessions take place every six weeks, providing staff dedicated time to discuss their well-being and identify any challenges. A structured system is in place to flag when a team member may need additional support. Additionally, Chapter carefully matches staff with service users based on comfort and compatibility, allowing for effective and meaningful support. 

The discussion provided valuable insights into the experiences of VCSE sector organisation, reinforcing the importance of peer support worker training and structured well-being initiatives. The NHSBN team looks forward to incorporating this learning into the ongoing development of the PSW census.