PEERS in practice: a study exploring the experiences of peer support workers employed in frontline mental health and homelessness services in the voluntary & community sector

The integration of individuals with lived experience into front-line service delivery, particularly as Peer Support Workers (PSWs), has gained increasing recognition across the ‘multiple disadvantage’ (MD) fields of mental health, substance misuse, homelessness, and to a lesser extent, criminal justice. PSWs are individuals with lived experience of social and health issues who are employed to provide support, guidance, and mentorship to others facing similar challenges. This study explores the experiences of people with lived experience of poor mental health, substance misuse, or homelessness as they began paid employment as PSWs in front-line Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) mental health and homelessness services. It builds on learning from the Birmingham Changing Future Together (BCFT) programme funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF). The aim was to generate practice-relevant insights that advance the BCFT programme and support PSW implementation in front-line VCS services, achieved by deepening understanding of how PSW practice is shaped not just by lived experience but by wider organisational and contextual factors. Qualitative fieldwork was conducted across two organisations, Arc and Circle, with 8 recently recruited PSWs. Rooted in Action Research, the study adopted a Grounded Theory approach. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews, Walk the Frontline observations, and WhatsApp submissions. A Lived Experience Reference Group (LERG), focus groups and a Ripple Effects Mapping workshop created co-productive spaces for emerging themes to be collaboratively discussed. Findings were organised into three groupings. “Am I ready for this?” examined preparedness for roles, showing how induction, training, supervision, and early support shaped confidence and preparedness. Readiness was found to be shaped by organisational structures as much as individual traits. “I do feel like a bit of a lone wolf sometimes” considered role experience, highlighting that inclusion depends not only on role clarity but on consistent respect, team integration, and valuing of contributions. “Some days are heavier than others” explored the emotional landscape, emphasising that sustaining wellbeing is a dynamic responsibility shared by individuals and organisations, shaped by culture and climate as much as by formal processes. Together, these themes highlighted the complexity of the PSW role and the importance of preparation, inclusion, support, and organisational culture. The findings resonate with, extend, and challenge existing literature on PSW, particularly in the VCS context. They affirm evidence around induction, supervision, role clarity, and organisational culture, but also show how trauma-informed and strengths-based practices in VCS organisations offer flexible and emotionally attuned settings. They also highlight underexplored concepts of proximity and relevance, particularly in relation to readiness, identity, and wellbeing. Practical learning was distilled using Firm-Up, Fine-Tune, and Focus, identifying where organisations are strong, where refinements are needed, and where sustained attention is required. The study culminates with the PEERS in Practice framework, a multi-dimensional model for embedding PSW roles. It identifies five domains: Purpose, Establishment, Engagement, Real-World Practice, and Success, considered at organisational, service/team and individual levels. Conceptually, the study frames PSW as relational and emotionally present work rooted in mutuality, connection, and lived experience. Practically, it offers a framework grounded in lived experience, informed by best practice and tailored to VCS organisations to support thoughtful, ethical, and sustainable PSW implementation.

Citation

Wilson, S. (2026) PEERS in practice: a study exploring the experiences of peer support workers employed in frontline mental health and homelessness services in the voluntary & community sector. University of Wolverhampton. https://wlv.openrepository.com/handle/2436/626425

Publisher

University of Wolverhampton

URI

https://wlv.openrepository.com/handle/2436/626425

Type

Thesis or dissertation

Language

en

Description

A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Wolverhampton for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This research programme was carried out in collaboration with Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC).

Collections

Theses and Dissertations