Youth Peer Support Workers

Peer support is valuable because it offers non-judgemental, accessible support that complements traditional health services. The peer worker role can support self-determination, recovery, resilience to self-stigma, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and professional development. When peers see their lived experience helping others they may develop stronger self-worth and overcome internalised stigma. Peer workers can face workplace risks including stigma, unclear roles, pressure to appear fully recovered, retraumatisation, and precarious employment. Nine studies found peer workers felt pressure to represent wellness or recovery in idealised ways, despite fluctuating personal wellness. Young peer workers often enter roles with limited or inconsistent employment histories because lived experience of mental ill health can disrupt education and employment. In Canada, youth peer support is primarily delivered through hospitals, community-based organisations, and Integrated Youth Service hubs. Youth peer support workers are young people with lived mental health experience who provide structured one-on-one or group support to near-age youth generally aged 12 to 25.