Peer support is a system of mutual aid between people who have similar experiences. It can involve emotional support, advice, and encouragement. Peer support is based on respect, shared responsibility, and mutual understanding.
A peer supporter is an individual with a life-altering lived experience of psychiatric, substance use, or other challenges who has made a personal commitment to his or her own recovery and has a desire to use what was learned from one’s own lived experiences to assist others with similar challenges.
Lived experience alone does not make someone a peer supporter. Peer support specialists relevant training (determined on a state-by-state basis) on using personal experiences to inspire hope, and support someone in taking personal responsibility. Peer supporters promote increased self-awareness, self-determination, self-advocacy, and a sense of empowerment in those receiving recovery support services. National Association of Peer Supporters