PEER SUPPORT RESEARCH PROJECT: Entering the Data Collection Phase
Peer Support Research Project which commenced this summer, is now moving in to it's data collection phase following the recruitment of one paid Peer Researcher and development of key documents such as Participant Information Sheet, data collection tools and underpinning governance. This project, led by Moray Wellbeing Hub in partnership with GREC and Arrows, will explore the current peer support landscape in Moray and identify practical actions that can help peer support thrive.
The project's current Peer Researcher, hopefully joined by some additional volunteer Peer Researcher roles in the coming month, is now connecting with local peer support groups to arrange dates for in person visits. At these they will use surveys and observations as well as follow up interviews to gather data. Support for the Peer Researchers is ongoing through weekly mentoring and training offered as opportunities and need emerges. This had made good use of the parallel Peer Researcher led project on peer support in digital tools led by a separate team at Moray Wellbeing Hub.
Additionally, the first draft of the project's literature review is being reviewed with support from the project's academic advisor. Through the Autumn the aim is to complete this and prepare to initiate planning for sharing publicly in accessible formats in the new year.
Early learning from the project activity of mapping local peer support groups, revealed a need for clear definitions on what a 'peer-support group' is as well as defining 'margininalised and seldom heard voices'. These have been developed and are being reviewed by a range of perspectives for wider use in the Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray project as key resources.
The activity has already seen increased capacity in confidence and knowledge by the partner organisations and peer researcher on developing the governance and data collection documents required for a community research project. The documentation will benefit the wider CMWM network as will be made available as part of template creation in future.
Part of the Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray (CRN), funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and The Young Foundation.
Hosted by Moray Wellbeing Hub CIC, the Collaboration for Mental Wealth in Moray is a network of partners who are researching what works for creating mental wealth in Moray through the co-creation of solutions and community-driven action. Partners in the network are the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), tsiMORAY, Science Ceilidh, Arrows (A Quarriers Service), Earthtime for All, and Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC).
