Putting the Pieces Together: A Framework for Mental Health Peer Support
A new resource for people introducing new or developing peer support roles and services, or looking to enhance practice.
Peer support has been growing in Scotland and there are many examples of innovation and peer expertise across the country. Peer support takes many forms – group spaces, one-to-one support from peer workers and peer-led learning. It can also happen as part of social activity or via online or text-based support.
The Big Scottish Peer Support Survey (2025) tells us peer support is diverse and adaptable, supporting different communities and experiences. This includes gender based, carers, LGBTQIA+ people, minority ethnic communities, and people affected by trauma, poverty, disability and long‑term conditions.
Much of this is led by the third sector though there are some roles and services within the statutory sector. This creates a varied and evolving landscape with real opportunity for peer support and the peer workforce to grow.
Putting the Pieces Together: A Framework for Mental Health Peer Support in Scotland is a co-designed resource. It aims to improve understanding of peer support values, practice and impact. To develop a shared understanding of peer support whilst ensuring it stays true to its roots as it strengthens and flourishes across Scotland.
Peer support is an early intervention and prevention support mechanism that if funded appropriately could save millions on unnecessary escalation of support required from statutory bodies at higher and more acute levels.
-The Big Scottish Peer Support Survey (Stevenson 2025)
