People experiencing psychosocial difficulties often have limited personal resources, making daily life more challenging. This can lead to difficulties in securing their livelihood or accessing health-promoting internventions. The aim of PeerCom is to create an initiative that meaningfully complements existing psychosocial support structures, such as social-psychiatric associations, centers, or other institutions. In a one-on-one setting, mental health peers support individuals in securing their livelihoods and implementing health-promoting measures.
This new project, initiated by the Tyrolean Association for Psychosocial Inclusion (TIPSI) and financially supported by the "Licht ins Dunkel" Innovation Fund, is being scientifically accompanied by the Center for Social & Health Innovation (CSHI) and the Department of Social Work at the MCI. Qualitative and quantitative research methods will be used to analyze the effectiveness of peer support in order to create a sound basis for the development of this approach. The project aims to make a valuable contribution to psychosocial care and to facilitate the long-term integration of people with mental health problems into the existing support system.
Mental Health Peers are individuals who have experienced mental health challenges themselves and have additionally acquired additional specialized skills. With this background, they support others in difficult life situations, provide guidance, and contribute to better understanding and motivation through their own experiences. Article 26 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasizes the importance of peer support in achieving greater independence and participation in various areas of life. The aim is to promote the self-efficacy of those affected through mutual support and empowerment.
PeerCom provides a valuable opportunity to use the experiences and competencies of mental health peers to support others in times of crisis. At the same time, it will allow for scientific evaluation and further development of this approach to create sustainable and effective support structures.
Lukas Kerschbaumer (CSHI): “PeerCom demonstrates how powerful mutual support can be - when people share their experiences, new paths to greater self-determination and quality of life emerge. As a university, we are delighted to be involved in this project.”
Elmar Kennerth (TIPSI): “As a self-advocacy organization, this project opens up new perspectives for us in peer work, especially since the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities explicitly calls for peer support. Additionally, we can rely on a pool of experienced peers who have overcome life crises. Thus, TIPSI guarantees high-quality practical implementation.”
Christina Lienhart (Department of Social Work): “Social work aims to promote and ensure self-determined participation and inclusion. To achieve this, we also need self-advocacy organizations like TIPSI, which confidently bring in their perspectives and competencies. With PeerCom, we are taking new steps together – and creating significant added value beyond those directly involved.”
Contact:Elmar Kennerth+43 677 640 582 30peercom@tipsi.at
PeerCom - a new project for psychosocial support by mental health peers. ©designed by Freepik
Social Work | Bachelor
Social Work, Social Policy & Management | Master
MCI Center for Social & Health Innovation
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