Peer Support Workers as Equal Team Members. A Case Study of Peer Support in Glasgow Housing First

Abstract

Abstract The text investigates peer support in the Glasgow Housing First project. Housing First is considered a social innovation towards ending chronic homelessness. Peer support should be an integral part of this approach, but little is known about its role. The aim of this text is to analyse peer support in the project from the perspective of its team and service users. We carried out an instrumental case study. For data collection we used semi-structured and group interview, direct observation, and studied service users’ files. To analyse the data, we conducted thematic analysis. We found out that peer support workers are seen as equal team members. Peer support needs to be recognised in the organisation, job role defined, and an adequate salary secured. We also present challenges in the areas of personal boundaries, self-care, and fulfilment of formal job requirements, and therefore it is crucial to provide peer mentor’s position within the team. Peer support relates to the provision of healing relationship with hard engagers and service users’ led support. Together with using specific tools and community resources, peer support results in either graduation from Housing First, sustaining their tenancy as Housing First tenants, or less days in homelessness.