Peer Engagement: A new way to recover.

Fellow Consumers of Cobb CSB!

Are you new to the circle or are you perhaps someone who has been here for some time and even though you are working toward your recovery you feel that something is missing? If so, let us examine a few things about your jubilant journey through the program. For some of you it maybe longer than others, but can you think back to your first day here at The Circle? What do you remember, both good and bad as well as those things that should have been in place to make you your journey more manageable? One thing that consumers have found to be missing is peer engagement. Peer engagement, an effort by consumers to help fellow consumers who are new to the program, is a relatively new concept across the board, however; it is done regularly in the Peer Support Program here at The Circle. I was first versed with the concept while studying to become a Certified Peer Specialist while learning specific axioms about Peers and Peer Support. I must say I learned the concept at the CPS training but it is not indigenous to the training itself as both the CPRP, Louise Sterling and CPS Alison Golden teach these concepts daily. One specific axiom is that a consumer or peer will connect with one another in such a way that the pair forms a bond or a mutual supportive relationship which helps to strengthen both parties involved. Peers helping peers, what a concept! With that being said we also asked some of the peers what they thought would have been helpful in their journey into recovery and here’s what they said: 

Do you think having a peer liaison would be helpful in the onsite of the recovery process and what would you think they could do for you to make the process an efficient and good experience? 

Laura: I use to cry a lot when I first got here. I wanted 2-3 months to have someone to call. Meds were turned off for about 2 months. Could have used someone to talk to.

Bryannetta: She came to the program angry and not trusting that the system would take care of her. A peer would have been easier to talk to than a staff because she didn’t trust authority.

Robin:  She wanted someone to help her relax. Someone to call after hours.

Nate: A peer to provide hope that meds could get  us better, that they would get better

Veretta: Came out of jail. It was harder to adjust and would have liked to talk to a peer who was in jail.

Emerson: Had a peer support team: Two peers took him under their wing. Favorable experience.

Allen: Wanted to be introduced to people. Some hope might have prevented a hospitalization or two.

Myra: Needed someone to get meds straightened out.

Mike B: Mike would have liked to talk to another African American man who was on the same page as him.

As you can see many people are in need of someone to help with their experience. The good news is it is coming soon.