New practice guide: Supporting People Experiencing Distress
The third in a series of four guides with practical tips, based on the experiences of peer supporters, groups and services across Scotland.
Peer support is a relational approach that values the humanity in each of us. We see a person with life experience, strengths and resilience. In peer support we understand distress as not something to ‘fix’. Painful experiences are normalised and space created for them to be met with empathy, curiosity and respect.
Distress navigation gently develops into wellbeing mapping, where sharing lived experience and mutuality can journey forward.
– Ross Reilly, Peer Practitioner, SAMH (SAM’s, Fife)
Developed as part of the Creating Hope with Peer Support project. The practice guides are designed to help build confidence and skills in offering peer support to people affected by suicide. They also work as standalone tools, perfect for anyone involved in mental health peer support groups and services.
Practice guide 3 complements the Creating Hope with Peer Support resource and relates to the Support stage of the Creating Hope with Peer Support Pathway (Connect, Explore, Hope, Support).
Supporting People Experiencing Distress
Insights and tools from Peer Supporters to help you in your role.
DownloadGuest blog: Holding Space for Distress
Reflections from a Peer Recovery Development Worker
On World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, we asked Paul Byrne, Peer Recovery Development Worker with Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action (DVVA), to reflect on his approach to holding space with people who are distressed. You can read his blog on our Medium channel.
