Peer-ing ahead to better support

People with a learning disability in Oldham will soon benefit from improved support, thanks to the introduction of Greater Manchester’s first learning disability peer support workers.

Applications are now open for three paid roles, which are part of the learning disability care hub provided by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

To apply for one of the part-time roles, people must be aged 18+ and either have a learning disability or used a learning disability service anywhere in the country.

This is to ensure they can use their own experiences to help people with a learning disability, along with their families and carers.

The peer support workers will form a vital part of a service user’s wider care team.

They’ll provide emotional and practical support, including helping them set and achieve life goals, stay well, and communicate what they think, want, and feel.

They’ll also work with colleagues and external partners to plan and run activities or groups.

The overall aim is to help service users be healthy, happy, and as independent as possible.

The peer support workers will also benefit by being paid for their work, being supported to complete a qualification, learning lots of new things, developing friendships and feeling empowered through helping others.

The roles have been developed in partnership with Pathways Associates community interest company, which provides support and advocacy to people with a learning disability and autism across Greater Manchester.

Gareth is a peer support worker for Pathways Associates.

He said: “Peer support is important because it's about using your experience to help others.

"It helps people move on from where they are.

"Peer support workers can help others to gain more information, confidence, and skills to live a good life.”

Jeremy Bentham, associate director for Pennine Care’s learning disability services, said: “People with lived experience are involved in lots of our work, so we know the valuable role they play.

“We’re the first in Greater Manchester to offer paid peer support roles for learning disability services.

"It’s taken lots of time and collaboration to get the roles just right, so we’re really excited we can finally start welcoming applications and taking the next step in our service transformation journey.”

The deadline for applications is April 25, 2024.

Applications will be shortlisted and successful candidates will be invited for an interview, in line with any reasonable adjustments they need.

People who apply but aren’t successful will have the opportunity to get involved in wider improvement that’s underway to involve more people with lived experience, their families, and carers. 

It’s likely further paid roles will be available in the future, in line with Pennine Care’s ambition to have a peer support worker in every service.

More information about the roles is available in easy read format; supported by a short animation. 

People can visit the web page here

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