Peer support services provide an additional layer of support in which people use their own experiences to help each other – by sharing knowledge, providing emotional support, creating opportunities for social interaction, offering practical help or engaging in advocacy and awareness raising (WHO, 2022b).

Such programs could bring together individuals who have shared experiences of mental health challenges which could in turn result in shared experience and greater understanding and connection among participants.

Feeling validated and less alone in their struggles can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation, among other benefits.