Welcome

This toolkit has been prepared to help people set up and take part in peer support programmes. These enable people who share experiences of a condition to help each other. The toolkit is based on a successful programme for people with diabetes but can be useful for projects covering other conditions. It draws on lessons learned in the RAPSID study (RAndomised controlled trial of Peer Support In Diabetes), organised in Cambridge, UK (click here for more details). It will be useful for:

  • People volunteering to help in peer support programmes
  • Health professionals and others interested in organising groups
  • Peers who participate in groups
  • Researchers and academics
  • Others with an interest in volunteering and self-management in health

Take a look at the following video :

To begin using this toolkit, please use the menus above. You might like to start by finding out more about what peer support is by clicking here.

Acknowledgements

RAPSID peer supporters and peers, study nurses, investigators, and the patient group have all made valuable contributions to the content. The toolkit was conceived by Jonathan Graffy, Principal Investigator for the peer supporter study. Daniel Holman, Research Associate, created the website. David Simmons was the Principal Investigator for the main RAPSID trial. Alfie Dale filmed the video.

You can find out how to contact us here. We are grateful for any feedback you may have.