Peer Support in Scotland: Insight Report 1 published
A new Insight Report sets out the case for peer support as a core component of a recovery‑focused, people‑led mental health system.
The first in a series of four Scottish Recovery Network Insight Reports, developed to increase knowledge and understanding of the current and potential role of peer support in mental health recovery in Scotland. The report draws on evidence, lived experience and national data to highlight why peer support matters, the current picture, and the action now required at a national policy level.
- Download Peer Support in Scotland: Insight Report 1
- Download Peer Support in Scotland: Insight Report 1 – summary
- View a flipbook version of Insight Report 1
Despite strong evidence and activity, Scotland has lagged behind other countries in embedding peer support within public sector mental health services. International experience shows progress accelerates when peer support is treated as a driver of cultural and system change, not a discretionary service. To realise the potential of peer support, national action is needed to:
- Embed peer support and lived experience leadership in mental health policy, delivery plans and reform programmes
- Invest in sustainable, paid peer roles and peer leadership pathways
- Support consistent training, supervision and peer‑led infrastructure
- Position peer support as central to recovery‑focused, people‑led mental health systems
This report will be followed by Insight Reports 2 and 3 which will focus on the powerful role of peer support in prevention and early intervention, and in crisis and distress. The fourth Insight Report will focus on the enablers and barriers to growing peer support in Scotland sharing Scottish and international evidence of what works.
Peer support is not an optional add‑on. It is essential to delivering Scotland’s vision for mental health recovery and wellbeing.
- Insight Report 2: Peer Support in Prevention and Early Intervention will be published in March 2026. Get a copy straight to your inbox by receiving our newsletter
