Peer Supporters are trained volunteers who offer one-on-one emotional support and referrals to additional services when needed. After a referral is received, a staff support specialist will contact the individual within 24 working hours to match them with a suitable Peer Supporter. Participation is entirely voluntary, and team members can decline or return later if their needs change. The Peer Supporter then reaches out to arrange a time to meet, either in person or over the phone. These meetings are typically one-time conversations with optional follow-up.
During the meeting, the Peer Supporter primarily listens, providing empathetic support without giving advice or taking notes. These conversations are kept confidential (unless there is a threat to individual safety or the safety of others) and all identifiable information is deleted from the database once the encounter is completed. Peer Supporters may also recommend additional resources, such as grief counseling, behavioral health services, or the employee assistance program, or another support service if they believe more support is needed. Peer support aims to create a compassionate environment and serves as a reminder: you are not alone.