Developing Expertise in Peer Working (Standard)

The course is delivered weekly for 6 full day online sessions, covering key competences for students to build a solid foundation from which to launch their careers in peer working.

The course is delivered by trainers with both lived and professional experience, who have worked as peer support workers and trainers in a range of healthcare contexts. 

The training covers what a peer worker is, the core principles of recovery and what can hinder it, communication skills and recovery focused language, sharing recovery stories, how peer workers can look after their own wellbeing as well as supporting others with wellbeing plans, and working with difference.

Each online session is underpinned by 2 questions for students to work on independently which invite reflection and consideration of what they have learnt that day.

To complete the course, students need to attend at least 5 out of 6 sessions, and to receive a certificate of completion, submit 5 out of 6 reflections as evidence of their engagement and understanding.

Please note for peer workers employed by or working within the NHS in England, an alternative training in peer support may be available to you at no cost. Please check with your local peer or recovery lead before enrolling on our course.
 

Skills You will Learn

• Understand the role, values and principles of an effective peer worker.

• Be able to describe the qualities, attributes and skills of an effective peer worker.
• Understand how to work with difference.
• Be able to use active listening and communication skills in a peer relationship.
• Understand how to develop and maintain a mutual and reciprocal peer relationship.
• Be able to draw on and share lived experience safely.

Schedule

Cohort 12 

1.  Tuesday 17th February 2026
2.  Tuesday 24th February 2026
3.  Tuesday 3rd March 2026
4.  Tuesday 10th March 2026
5.  Tuesday 17th March 2026
6.  Tuesday 24th March 2026

Cohort 14

1. Tuesday 31st March 2026
2. Wednesday 8th April 2026
3. Wednesday 15th April 2026
4. Wednesday 22nd April 2026
5. Wednesday 29th April 2026
6. Wednesday 6th May 2026

Target Audience

Students do not need any prior academic qualifications or experience to undertake the course and support is offered for those with learning needs and disabilities.
The course may not be ideally suited to those who are unable to engage with full days of learning online – we encourage anyone who would find undertaking the course across half days over two cohorts to get in touch as this can be accommodated by individual arrangement.