about peer programs

How can my program join VOCAL?

VOCAL Program Membership is free and open to all peer-run programs in Virginia. Please click here to become a member program. 

What is a peer-run program?

Peer-run programs are grassroots, self-help programs led by and for people in recovery from mental illness.
 
For example, at a peer-run drop-in center, the Board of Directors would be all or mostly people who have been diagnosed with mental illness (often called “peers”). The staff would also be peers who can offer first-person understanding, hope, and practical skills. They demonstrate the unique value of having “been there” and thriving since.

As people who have personally experienced mental illness, we work to create programs that respect the inherent worth and dignity of each individual, regardless of their current or past mental state, medical diagnosis, or use of medications.

Where can I find help for starting or running a peer-run program?

Many people begin their programs as small recovery groups that eventually may grow into larger programs or centers. If you are interested in learning to lead a mental health recovery group, we invite you to learn more about our Recovery Facilitator Trainings. Scholarships are available. To find out more, click here to learn.

VOCAL also offers consulting and trainings for peer-run groups and centers in Virginia. We provide support in program development, strategic planning, forming a new group, and other areas of nonprofit management. To find out more, click here to learn more.
 
How are peer-run programs different than traditional services?

Peer-run programs are accessible, affordable and focus on self-determination and empowerment.

Peer programs generally have an “open door” with no intimidating paperwork, lengthy lines, disclosure requirements, waiting lists, required appointments, or threat of forced treatment.

Many programs are open on weekends and evenings – times when other mental health programs may be closed, and people may have no where to turn but hospitals or jails.

Many of us have found that peer-run programs can be “lifeline” and “safe haven” – especially for those who are homeless, experiencing severe mental illness, extremely isolated, unable to navigate the social service systems, or intentionally avoiding other services because of negative or abusive experiences in the past.

How can peer-run programs create recovery?

Peer-run programs believe that recovery from mental illness is possible. At peer-run programs, people break out of the roles of being “patients” and into roles as peers, advocates, support people, program organizers, and community leaders.

Many of us have found that joining a peer program was a turning point in our own personal process of mental health recovery. At a peer program, you will find staff and board who are peers, people who have gone through similar experiences. Programs are held in a safe environment where people can feel accepted and equal, and find opportunities for leadership, empowerment, and self-advocacy.

How can peer-run programs help transform the mental health system?

Peer-run programs are fertile grounds to create skilled and knowledgeable peer leaders – people who can educate providers, serve valuable roles on policy-making councils, act as mentors and role models to other peer advocates; and help create a recovery-orientated mental health system.

Peer-run programs can also provide a voice for people in the institutional environment (where people are typically at their most powerless). This can lead to improvements in quality of care, patient safety & patients’ rights.

Peer-operated programs have been shown to reduce participants’ use of outpatient services and physician visits, reducing the workload of these professionals, and helping create a system where people can and do recover.

Peer-run programs can serve as both complements and alternatives to traditional mental health programs, helping reach hard-to-reach populations, and helping create a system where all people have choice and option to find the kind of care that works best for them.

How can peer-run programs save the system money?

Studies show participants in peer-run programs spend less time in hospitals, use fewer crisis services and can often reduce their use of psychiatric medication, all of which reduce government costs.

Peer-run programs support people in recovery and can reduce their use of hospital, crisis, and other expensive services. A report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada includes a collection of studies:

One study demonstrates that the mean number of days in hospital dropped from over 48 to under 5 after participants became involved with a Peer-Operated Program.

Another study showed that Peer-Operated Programs saved more than $12 million in reduced hospital stays for three hospitals over the course of one year.

Another study showed that people with mental health problems who described themselves as "lonely" and were partnered with a peer mentor used an average of $20,300 less per person in hospital and emergency room services in the year after discharge.