Peer support communities for long term health conditions

Peer support is more than just shared experiences—it's about mutual understanding, encouragement, and empowerment. When people with similar health challenges come together, they create a safe space where they can exchange knowledge, offer emotional support, and build confidence in managing their conditions. Research shows that peer support can lead to fewer hospital stays, stronger social networks, and improved self-esteem. 

Many Mental Health Foundation programmes include an element of community-based peer supporting.  For example, the Living Well project in Scotland supported people with long-term health conditions by providing tailored mental health support via partner organisations focused on specific conditions. In partnership with the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), the initiative supported charities to deliver emotional wellbeing services by providing their staff with training and access to peer learning networks.  

In Northern Ireland, the Mental Health for Better Days project, developed in collaboration with the Healthy Living Centre Alliance, integrated mental health support into chronic pain management programmes. This initiative equipped centre staff with the tools to help people learn to better manage their mental wellbeing, offering training on trauma-informed practices, stigma reduction, and mental health inequalities. Since its launch, hundreds of participants have reported increased confidence in discussing their mental health and seeking support when needed. 

Participant Bill* began to share his experiences with others. Learning that they too faced the same challenges gave him a sense that he was not alone.