We’re Mind, the mental health charity
We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. We’re here for you. Today. Now. Whether you’re stressed, depressed or in crisis. We’ll listen, give support and advice, and fight your corner.
Who We Are
Mind Jersey is an independent local charity that supports people with mental illness. Our vision is of a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all, and that treats people with experience of mental illness fairly, positively and with respect.
Why the Jersey Mind was formed
Anyone who has experienced any sort of mental health problem will be acutely aware of what a difficult and distressing experience it can be – stigma, rejection, family upheaval and the complexities of treatments can suddenly all become a part of everyday life. Similarly, any parent or family member who has witnessed the onset of mental illness in a relative or loved one will know the helplessness and despair of trying to manage, using logic and rationale that is no longer meaningful or even understood by the sufferer. Also the difficulty for both users and carers of having to deal with a whole range of mental health professionals that have always existed for ’someone else’.
Very often, when these situations arise, the most immediate form of relief and reassurance can come simply from talking to someone who has, or is living through, a similar situation to you, someone who ’knows the ropes’, has learned to cope and is able to demonstrate that, with help and support, things can improve.
“…the most immediate form of relief and reassurance can come simply from talking to someone who has, or is living through, a similar situation to you…”
Our Services
Peer Support
What Is Peer Support?
Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other.
Forms of peer support include:
- community groups
- mentoring
- befriending
- self-help groups
- online communities
- support groups.
Support is based on sharing experiences and agreeing a reason for meeting. How you choose to meet up or connect with people is very flexible and depends on your personal preferences. Peer support can improve your emotional health, wellbeing and sense of belonging.
A vital part of peer support is mutual respect; peer support aims to help both those giving and receiving support. Everyone’s experiences are treated as equally important, so you might find this gives you a different experience to more traditional support options.
Talking to people who have been through similar challenges may:
- help you to talk about what you are feeling and experiencing
- help you share suggestions for coping techniques and support options
- introduce you to ideas and approaches that have been helpful to others
- reassure you that you’re not the only person who has felt like this
- increase your self-esteem and confidence over time
- help you see how common mental health problems are, and that everyone experiencing them deserves support
- provide a sense of belonging to a community of people with similar experiences
- give you a safety net to turn to at difficult times or if you’re at risk of crisis
What kinds of peer support are there?
- help you to find support that’s right for you
- help you feel more empowered about your own wellbeing, if you feel disillusioned with the support you’ve received so far.
The support was mutual. When I was going through a low patch, I often received reassurance and kind words.
Making Sense Of Peer Support
We will do our best to address any individual needs or barriers you foresee to accessing peer support.
If you have any concerns or would like to discuss your support needs in more detail please contact us using the details given below.
