pairpep-EN

PAIRPEP project

The integration of peer support workers (PSW) and family support workers (FSW) is part of the recommendations of the MSSS’s Reference Framework for First Episode Psychosis Programs (FEPP). The 2022-2026 Interdepartmental Mental Health Action Plan highlights the expertise of PSW-FSWs in promoting the full participation of individuals and the development of recovery-oriented services.

Indeed, in supporting young people and their loved ones towards recovery, PSWs and FSWs are often best placed to support the development of sustainable strategies for maintaining health in a sustainable manner, beyond the services received in hospital settings. The presence of a mentor and shared experiences can facilitate access and engagement of youth and their loved ones in services.

The PAIRPEP project aims to develop peer support and family peer support in Quebec’s FEPPs. As part of the learning system, the pilot project focuses specifically on the integration of PA-PAFs within the 12 PPEPs initially associated with SARPEP.

Its objectives are to know if PAIRPEP facilitates the integration of PSW/FSW into teams, to evaluate the impact on stakeholders, and the barriers and facilitators of their integration.

Projet status

To date, PAIRPEP brings together around ten PSWs and FSWs through the participating PPEPs, several of which are entirely financed by the project.

PAIRPEP supports the integration and interventions of PSW-FSW through different modalities, including:

  • The development of tools to facilitate referral to PSW/FSWs, PSW/FSW interventions in interdisciplinary intervention plans (PII) and according to the needs of young people
  • Intervision and group mentoring activities led by experienced peer support mentors
  • A community of practice bringing together the various stakeholders and PSW-FSWs of the project

The objectives are to determine whether PAIRPEP facilitates the integration of peer support wokers and family support workers within teams, to evaluate the impact on stakeholders as well as the barriers and facilitators of their integration.

PAIRPEP offers ongoing support to peer support workers and family support workers through mentoring and intervision sessions, which take place alternately every 2 weeks. These sessions are co-facilitated by peer support and family support mentors.

Intervision

  • Choosing the topic of discussion at the beginning of the session
  • Peer supervision
  • Structure inspired by the co-development model
  • Learning through sharing clinical experiences
  • PSW and FSW together

Mentoring

  • Presence of a FEPP clinician
  • Pre-determined discussion topic
  • Information capsule on the chosen theme

In addition to the stakeholders already involved in SARPEP, other actors are being added within the framework of PAIRPEP.

With a care pathway similar to that of the young people followed at the FEPP, peer helpers bring hope to young people and teams. They also help to reduce stigma and encourage people’s full participation in their recovery.

PAIRPEP brings together more than ten peer support workers through participating FEPPs.

With experience as a close caregiver of a young person being monitored in FEPP, family peer caregivers bring hope to loved ones and teams.

PAIRPEP brings together family support workers through participating FEPPs.

PAIRPEP collaborates with organizations specializing in peer support and family peer support.

See our partner organizations

PAIRPEP calls upon international leaders in the field of peer support and family peer support.

SARPEP contributes to capacity building and adapts to the changing needs of each participating FEPP by developing clinical-administrative tools and knowledge exchanges led by experts.

Clinical-administrative tools developed:

  • Reference and monitoring framework
    (2 versions intended for: peer support workers and family support workers)
  • Checklist for the integration of peer support workers and family support workers
    (4 versions intended for: managers, team leaders, peer support workers, family support workers)
  • List of potential roles and tasks of peer support workers and family support workers
    (intended for managers and teams leaders)
  • Job offer

Topics previously covered in community of practice activities:

  • Hiring and recruiting peer support workers and family support workers
  • Integrating peer support workers and family support workers within the FEPP team
  • Roles of peer support workers and family support workers within the FEPP team
  • Support for peer support workers and family support workers

All tools and knowledge exchanges are accessible to SARPEP members in our media library.

Media Library