Supervision
There can be tension and difficulties associated with the role of peer supporter. They need to be aware of the boundaries between professional and personal roles, which is not easy when providing such an intense and supportive relationship.
Peer supporters need support in their role too and line managers or supervisors have the key responsibility for providing this. However, formalised peer support is not always an easy path and setbacks will inevitably occur. Supervision will help you to manage these setbacks by encouraging you to keep an objective focus.
Supervision is a process where you receive guidance and support to manage your workload and the support you are providing in an efficient and effective way. It ensures that you are supported and directed in relation to your own professional development. It should also provide a forum to ensure that your mental wellbeing is protected by helping you to avoid or manage stress.
Many people believe supervision is about a formal meeting with their manager at various timescales over the year. This is certainly one style of supervision and one which is often required but there also other approaches to supervision that can be equally supportive and effective. This could include reflective practice with your line manager or in a group and informal mentoring or coaching.