‘Learning and growing’: Young people’s experiences of being peer trainers within a ‘Beads of life’ group in an oncology setting

Abstract

Aims To explore the experiences of young people who take on a peer mentoring role within a psycho-oncology service narrative therapy informed ‘Beads of Life’ group. Method Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with these ‘Peer Trainers’ and analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results Three superordinate themes emerged: identity and self, identity and others, and identity and relationship to cancer. Peer trainers perceived themselves as helpful and mentoring provided an opportunity to develop and grow as a person, while feeling good through helping others. Peer trainers tested out alternative roles, and experienced the benefits of challenging isolation, through connection to others and processing of the emotional burden of cancer. Peer trainers felt grateful for the opportunity, while wanting to make way for the next generation. Conclusions Findings suggest an impact on identity, with young people noticing changes in the self, their relationships with others, and their relationship to cancer. Overall, young people reported positive experiences and a ‘levelling up’ of identity, suggesting future potential for peer mentoring and community narrative practices within paediatric settings.