Peer Support: Real Connection, Real Impact

At True North Collective, we believe in the transformative power of human connection. People who've lived through challenges, who truly understand, and who can empathise without judgement — that's the essence of peer support. It's not about offering advice or diagnosing problems; it's about fostering real connection through shared lived experiences.

But what exactly is peer support? Where does it come from? And how can it positively impact your mental health — whether you're actively in therapy, waiting for services, or simply trying to navigate life's complexities?

Let's explore…

The Origins of Peer Support

Peer support is far from a new concept. It taps into the innate human tendency to support one another, a practice that has existed for centuries. From gathering around fires to sharing stories in places of worship, over kitchen tables, in workplaces, or during social movements, peer support has always been a cornerstone of communal care.

Modern peer support as we recognise it today began to take shape during the 1970s and 1980s. It emerged from mental health survivor and recovery movements as a grassroots response to stigma, exclusion, and dissatisfaction with traditional mental health services. These movements were driven by individuals who felt that formal systems often failed to address their emotional and practical needs.

In its early days, peer support was informal and raw — people came together as equals rather than professionals or patients. The guiding principle was simple yet profound: You are not alone. Through shared experiences, individuals found strength and solidarity.

Today, peer support has evolved into a recognised approach integrated into NHS services, charities, recovery groups, and community organisations like True North Collective. Despite its growth and formalisation, the core of peer support remains unchanged: authentic human connection.

What Exactly Is Peer Support?

At its heart, peer support is about bringing people together who have faced similar challenges — whether those challenges involve mental health struggles, trauma, bereavement, burnout, or major life transitions. It complements professional therapeutic interventions but operates on fundamentally different principles.

Key Features of Peer Support:

Equality: Everyone involved is valued for their lived experience; there are no hierarchies.

Non-clinical approach: Peer support avoids diagnoses, assessments, or treatment plans.

Focus on connection: The emphasis is on mutual understanding rather than fixing problems.

Flexible formats: Peer support can be one-to-one or group-based.

Peer-led facilitation: Sessions are led or co-facilitated by trained peers who have firsthand experience with the issues being discussed.

Unlike therapy — which is led by clinicians trained to explore underlying psychological issues — peer support prioritises mutual respect and shared understanding. It creates a space where individuals can feel heard and validated without needing to justify themselves.

At True North Collective, our peer support groups are held in welcoming and confidential environments. We aim to foster spaces where participants feel safe to express themselves freely. Whether you're sharing your story or simply listening to others, the focus is on creating an atmosphere of respect and belonging.

Why Peer Support Matters

Research has increasingly highlighted the benefits of peer support for mental health. Studies show that connecting with others who share similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall well-being. Peer support also empowers individuals by fostering a sense of agency and resilience through mutual learning and encouragement.

In addition to these emotional benefits, peer support can complement therapy by providing ongoing community-based care while individuals wait for professional services or transition out of therapy. It bridges gaps in formal systems by offering accessible spaces for connection and healing.

Further Resources

For more information about peer support and how it might benefit you:

Join our mailing list (see box in the banner below) for details about up and coming events and programmes. Or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Explore Richard Pierce Therapy for insights into therapy options that complement peer support.

Additional resources include Mind (mind.org.uk), Rethink Mental Illness (rethink.org), and the National Survivor User Network (nsun.org.uk).

Peer support reminds us that healing doesn't always come from professionals — sometimes it comes from each other. Through shared understanding and genuine connection, we can navigate life's challenges together.