News

New Peer2Peer online toolbox supports the expansion of Scotland’s peer workforce

If you’re a group, organisation or service looking to enhance peer worker practice and help people new to peer roles build confidence and skills – then this is for you.

The new Peer2Peer online toolbox brings together practical, flexible learning for people at different stages of their peer worker journey. Peer2Peer supports the learning and development of peer workers by building their knowledge, skills and confidence in peer support values and practice.

The course is built around the idea that everyone brings valuable experience. That learning happens when we share, listen and reflect together. Whether you’re supporting people into peer roles, developing peer worker skills or delivering peer learning, you can use the free resources as a complete programme, individual modules or standalone sessions.

The Peer2Peer online toolbox has been shaped by peer workers, trainers and people involved in delivering peer support across the country. It’s part of our wider work to build community and capacity around growing a peer workforce in Scotland.

A resource shaped by experience

Peer2Peer has been evolving for more than a decade.

It has been widely used across Scotland as a training resource for people with lived experience looking to move into mental health peer worker roles. This latest version builds on that learning and experiences from people delivering on the ground.

Between April 2025 and February 2026, we piloted new materials and approaches with peer workers, trainers and people looking to get started with Peer2Peer. Feedback told us there was too much theory and not enough focus on the relational skills central to peer support. We listened, rewrote and tested refreshed resources. The result is a more flexible, modular and session-based approach.

As one pilot participant said:

I really enjoy your training style. I feel included and respected without being forced to speak up.

What’s next?

In August, we brought together people involved in developing and piloting the new Peer2Peer for a celebration event in Glasgow – a chance to reflect on the journey and recognise everyone who helped shape the refreshed resources.

• You can see photos from the Peer2Peer celebration event on our Facebook.

The online toolbox is just the start! Further modules are in development, including trauma-responsive peer support, suicide prevention and developing the peer workforce. Peer2Peer will also be central to an exciting new project. More to come on this soon!

Meanwhile, explore the resources, try them out and let us know what you think. What works? What could be improved? Your feedback will help shape where Peer2Peer goes next.