2024, Health, Uncategorized, work

Peer Support

20 Comments

I was on my way to work the other day, driving behind a small, blue, rather dented up vehicle that was driving way too fast and was tail gaiting the slower vehicle in front of it. The blue car and I both turned into my work parking lot, and I saw that the driver was one of our Peer Support specialists.

Peer Support specialists have two qualifications to be hired at my agency-they need to be high school graduates, and they need to have successfully overcome their own addictions and mental health issues. They work directly with our clients, providing support, sobriety tips, and rides to appointments. They visit clients in jail, accompany them to court, and give them sage advice. The Peer support specialists are very proud of themselves, and it is kind of funny to hear them announce at staff meetings the good news that their felonies have been expunged from their records.

I was thinking the other day that Baboons could provide quite wonderful peer support in helping others with a myriad of skills. Gardening, cooking, writing, home repair, art projects, pet care-we could help novices and those struggling with learning how to do new and unfamiliar things. We are a talented and kind bunch.

Who are some of the natural helpers you have encountered? What would you like to help people with? Who have been your biggest supports?

20 thoughts on “Peer Support”

  2. Well, now I’m feeling very blessed! I know a lot of helpers. Many of my best friends are helpers, and I have to say that we help each other a lot. My friend Pam will risk her own health and safety to help others. My friend Colleen is the kindest, most patient and tolerant person that I’ve ever known. Many of the people that I worked with years ago, in the hospital at FRC, are still my friends and support system today. Some experiences just bind people together, and instill in them a spirit of kindness and helpfulness. And, I’m grateful to say that I’ve met even more helpful and kind people in the past year.

    I think it’s natural for some people to want to help others, and maturity gives people a wish to be of service.

    I agree that Baboons are talented and helpful. Some of you have given me more support than you are aware!

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  3. Like Krista, I’ve been blessed – I have been amazed at the amount of help that came to us when we needed it after Michael’s stroke, and at other times. One of our committees at UU is the Caring Committee – for one, they set up meals for people in distress of any kind. I know a couple of individuals here who are always helping someone or something. I too get advice and support here on the trail.

    And I’ve mentioned my own “support group happy hour”, where 4 of us get together on Monday afternoons and solve the problems of our lives.

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  4. I sometimes think I’d like to train as a hospice worker – one of our support group is very active in that area. And she’s instrumental in getting our “comfort choir”, Wellspring, going again – small group of singers at bedsides for people who are ill, or dying.

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    1. I know of a family who benefitted from a singing group like this–the patient was sung out of this world after a long experience of metastatic melanoma. The singing meant so much to the family and was so comforting. I hope you get the group re-established.

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  6. I thought the punchline was gonna be that you had to go in and talk to your driver and reprimand him for his horrible driving habits and talk about the fact that the world is so messed up that you got people who tailgate and speed and drive and bent up vehicle vehicles as our assistance for helping people in need

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      1. Well, I did tease her about her driving. She said she never drives like that in a State vehicle wIth clients. She was frustrated with the elderly driver in front of her. I believe she probably has ADHD.

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  7. Rise and Shine, Baboons,

    I have known a few peer support people. The quality of that service varies with the person, but when it works, it really works well. It reminds me very much of the practice in 12 step programs of having a sponsor to guide recovery from addiction. It is just so helpful to have someone who has walked a particular road to guide another person on a journey. I personally benefitted from someone who was supportive when I had breast cancer years ago. This person had also had it and made it through the initial treatment and diagnosis, which was inspiring to me and helpful in making my choices. Now there is a Parkinson’s Caregiver network that I am part of through our Community Center. Lou is part of that program. This year they added a Caregiver support. Just this morning at water aerobics, I saw another spouse who is part of the group and we chatted for a while about how hard and puzzling it is to witness this illness.

    My particular choice of being a helper is now with gardening. However, I am really struggling with pain in my left hip and lower back, and that has to get some relief before the next gardening season. I have an appointment for that later this week.

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  8. My friend Paul seems like he helps everyone. And he’s been one of my biggest mentors in theater stuff.
    I think my Dad was my biggest farming mentor even if I did roll my eyes at him often.
    Kelly is my biggest supporter.

    Just this morning a random college student grabbed the end of a choir riser as I was pulling it down the hallway and he offered to help. Sometimes helpers just show up like that.

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  9. i am lucky with mentors
    my dad life and business
    a couple personal business mentors
    im a rah rah guy and a motovation fan to the point that i listen to lots of podcasts and books on tape that talk you through it
    a couple shrinks and therapists
    itll get you there of youre ready

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