Peer mentors supporting Positive Steps

In Leicestershire experienced support workers and volunteer peer mentors are working side by side to support vulnerable adults.

Positive Steps, a floating support service in the county delivers support for people living with mental health needs, combined with drug or alcohol dependency and who are at risk of losing their tenancy.

Offering support for people with this dual support need is not commonly offered, and it’s the first commission of its kind for Leicestershire County Council.

Service users are referred to us by social workers for short-term, intensive support, which includes up to 10 hours of one-to-one support each week, for up to 12 weeks.

Peer mentors

Volunteer peer mentors, with their own experience of mental health and addiction, play an active role in delivering the service. These volunteers are in a unique position to offer experience-informed, personalised support, and their involvement has seen some incredible results

One service user fed back: “If I could value the service in money it would be invaluable. It’s helped me deal with a lot of things that I wouldn’t have done on my own.

“Positive Steps has truly helped my recovery. I can’t express enough gratitude for the care and support that has been provided to me by the team.”

And the benefits are not just one-way. Volunteers also report on the truly enriching experience.

Omar Oliveri, peer support volunteer, said: “It’s a pleasure to volunteer in a role grounded in growth and support. I find it fosters positivity within me and those I seek to help.”

We’re so grateful to those volunteering their time to the service and we’re delighted by the positive impact it’s had on those we support. If you are interested in the volunteering opportunities available at this service, or across NCHA, please visit our volunteering pages.