The skills you learn in this course can be used in any peer support situation, whether paid or unpaid, but using peer support with people affected by BPD can be a vital part of recovery.
Peer support workers can offer hope, connection and validation to the service user’s lived experience. Combined with medication and/or therapy, peer support can be a valuable part of the recovery journey.
Peer support workers are not medical professionals or therapists, they don’t have access to medical records – they are an independent, non-judgmental source of support to not just the person living with BPD, but also those around them who care and support them.
Peer support workers can also provide practical support in the form of informational and social support. They can find out about local services, or support groups, they can find out about schemes that may help them develop skills knowledge, and an opportunity to take part in social events.
Peer support is generally provided to those with general mental health issues, rather than unique disorders like BPD, but it can be adapted to work with anyone. The bottom line is that people with BPD need support, and trained peer support workers can do that.