Laura's Role as Trust-Wide Peer Support Coordinator
Today, we shine a light on Laura, the Trust-Wide Peer Support Coordinator, whose dedication, and personal lived experience enrich our peer support services and inspire hope for change.
Role in the Central Peer Team
As part of the Central Peer Team, Laura plays a key role in promoting and elevating peer support across the Trust. She provides crucial layers of support to Peer Workers, teams that employ Peer Workers, and aspiring Peer Workers. Laura’s work not only supports the strategic direction of the peer workforce but also helps ensure that the required mentoring, training, and understanding are in place to effectively support our growing workforce and their teams.
"Supporting Peer Workers throughout the Trust is a privilege and an opportunity to see the impact of lived experience in action" says Laura.
Lived Experience Staff Support Network
Alongside her primary role, Laura serves as the Co-Lived Experience Lead for the Lived Experience Staff Support Network. In this position, she works to promote good mental health and wellbeing for all staff and contributes to the development of working practices that embrace the use of lived experience in day-to-day practice.
Laura's role requires a blend of personal lived experience, a solid understanding of her own recovery journey, and the ability to use her experiences to support others. Effective communication, active listening, and empathy are essential for building positive relationships with a diverse range of people within different settings.
"Incorporating lived experience is at the heart of my work," says Laura. "It allows me to connect with and support others more authentically and meaningfully".
Proud Moments and Contributions
Laura takes great pride in her contributions to the Trust's emerging peer workforce. Her work has led to an increase in the number of Peer Workers employed, the introduction of peer support into new services, and career progression opportunities for existing Peer Workers. The positive impact of peer support is evident through evaluations and the exemplary feedback received from people who use our services.
"Seeing the impact of peer support in the Trust and the positive feedback from service users is incredibly rewarding," says Laura.
As Co-Lived Experience Lead for the Lived Experience Staff Support Network, Laura was part of the judging process for the Staff Awards 2024, which provided her with the opportunity to learn more about the extraordinary work carried out by her colleagues across the Trust.
"Participating in the Staff Awards process was a humbling and inspiring experience" Laura shares. "It showcased the dedication and hard work of my colleagues across the Trust."
A Rewarding Journey
Although Laura's role is not directly patient-facing, she supports patients and their families by empowering Peer Workers to utilise their lived experiences to assist those who use our services. By offering mentoring, training, and additional layers of support, she helps Peer Workers stay well at work and deliver outstanding care.
"I take pride in supporting Peer Workers as they help others on their recovery journeys," says Laura.
Laura appreciates the variety and opportunities her role offers. She values the autonomy to use her lived experience and a wide array of skills to provide a unique service that complements the clinical model of the NHS. Working within this relatively new service has supported her personal growth and development while contributing positively to her own mental wellbeing.
"Being part of the initial Peer Support framework and shaping the future of peer work at South London and Maudsley fills me with immense pride" Laura expresses. "It's an exciting time to be part of Peer Support at the Trust, and I look forward to what the future holds."
