Want to view a home today?
Get in touch

'Drop in' CentrePeer Support

Peer support is a way of supporting people with their mental health through shared lived experience. It brings together people who have faced similar challenges and creates a space where understanding, empathy and hope come from real-life experience rather than clinical expertise.

Peer support does not aim to ‘fix’ people. Instead, it supports individuals to make sense of their experiences and find their own ways forward.

Our team of peer supporter workers draw on their own lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery to offer encouragement, and practical insight. We provide a safe, welcoming space where people can talk, connect, and be supported in ways that feel respectful and empowering. We believe that lived experience is a form of expertise and that recovery looks different for everyone.

Young woman in a mustard sweater attentively listening to an older man and woman in a discussion.A young woman with curly hair and a mustard cardigan listens attentively to two older people during a conversation.A young woman with curly hair and a mustard cardigan listens attentively to two older people during a conversation.

Simply dropping  in to see someone at the listening  lounge really helped me. I felt  I needed some clarity with what i was going through at the time. I can't recommend them enough!

Anonymous
Listening lounge

What is a peer support worker?

Peer support workers are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, not necessarily trained professionals. Their value comes from their personal journey and the ability to relate to others facing similar struggles. Some of our peer support workers may also have experience working in mental health care, or studying in related areas, but their lived experience is the important bit.

Listening lounge

What are the benefits of peer support?

Peer support workers seek to create a safe space in which to offer emotional support and practical coping strategies. Acknowledging shared lived experiences can help develop a sense of connection, understanding and acceptance. It may help someone to feel less alone or isolated and give hope that recovery is possible.

Peer support is based on relationships that are

  • Non-judgemental - you are listened to without label or assumptions
  • Equal and mutual - there is no heirarchy of power imbalance
  • Voluntary - you choose what to share and how to engage
  • Strengths-based - focusing on what helps you cope, grow and recover
    benefits of support

    Are peer support workers counsellors?

    No, Peer support workers are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, not necessarily trained professionals. Their value comes from their personal journey and the ability to relate to others facing similar struggles. Some of our peer support workers may also have experience working in mental health care, or studying in related areas, but their lived experience is the important bit.

    Peer support is not:

    • Not therapy
    • Not a clinical or medical service
    • Not about giving advice or diagnosis.

    What if I'm not sure what route is best for me?

    Visit us, give us a call or book an informal appointment and we can talk about what might work best for you. We can also provide information about other services and support that is available.

    Person in orange sweater sitting with hands nervously clasped on their lap.
    accessible, reliable support for all

    Can I see the same peer support worker each time?

    Depending on when you visit, you may see a peer support worker you already know. We understand that familiar faces can help people feel more at ease. At the same time, we encourage everyone to see us as a team rather than relying on one person.

    This means you can receive support whenever you need it, even if a peer worker you've seen before is not available. All members of the team follow the same approach and share information appropriately, so your care and support remain consistent. Our aim is to make sure help is accessible, reliable.

    how

    How do I access peer support?

    You can meet with a member of our peer support team either by dropping in or making an appointment during our opening hours, which are Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm. Generally, peer support with us will be a one-to-one session lasting around 45 minutes. It is relaxed, informal and tends to involve a cuppa. How many sessions you attend, and how often you come, is led by you. Depending on when you visit us you may see a peer worker who you have met before or it might be someone you’ve not yet connected with. We encourage people to engage with us as a peer support team, that way you can get support when you need it most.

    Give us a call on 01534 866793
    Email us on peer@listeninglounge.care
    Young person looking at their mobile phone