What Is A Peer Support Specialist?

In recent years, the mental health landscape has seen a significant shift towards more personalized care that resonates with its client. The state of North Carolina offers a Peer Support Specialist Certification to help expand support for mental health care in the state. A Peer Support Specialists (PSS) is an individual who leverages their lived experiences with mental health or substance use disorders to support others on their recovery journeys. 

The Role of Peer Support Specialists

Peer Support Specialists play a crucial role in bridging the gap between clinical interventions and personal recovery journeys. These specialists develop strong, supportive relationships with individuals facing mental health challenges. Their primary focus is to help patients recognize their strengths, set goals, address barriers, and explore recovery strategies.

Unlike traditional clinical roles, Peer Support Specialists offer non-clinical, strengths-based support. Their own recovery experiences continuously inspire others, demonstrating that healing is both possible, achievable, and accessible. By walking alongside individuals without judgment, they provide compassionate companionship and help navigate obstacles at a pace unique to each person.

Some key responsibilities of Peer Support Specialists include dispelling myths about mental health conditions, educating about self-help tools, and connecting individuals to community resources. Through active listening and support, they empower people to identify and work toward personal goals, enhancing recovery by focusing on strengths, self-determination, and resilience.

Work Environments and Opportunities

Certified Peer Support Specialists can seek employment in a variety of settings. Many use Peer Support Specialist training as a springboard into a mental health care career. Some common work environments include:

1. Streets and community outreach programs

2. Clinics and community health centers

3. Inpatient units and hospitals

4. Emergency rooms

5. Recovery residences and shelters

6. Remote or office-based roles

The demand for Peer Support Specialists is growing as they are increasingly integrated into various sectors of the healthcare system. Their critical role in promoting recovery and reducing healthcare costs, has led to expanded career opportunities in hospitals, outpatient programs, addiction recovery centers, and community-based organizations.

Training and Certification

Becoming a certified Peer Support Specialist involves a comprehensive training process. Typically, 40 to 60 hours of instruction, covering essential topics such as peer support values, recovery and resiliency tools, group facilitation, and crisis response. Many training facilitators are run by organizations with lived experience, leading to a more authentic process.

Candidates must often attest to their personal journey through written narratives or interviews, ensuring their experiences align with the role. After completing the training, individuals must pass an examination testing their knowledge of peer support principles.

POEM: A Unique Approach

POEM (Peer Outreach and Ecological Mentorship) offers a unique approach to Peer Support Specialist training. What sets POEM apart is its integration of mindfulness, ancestral healing, and ecological awareness – elements rarely found in traditional programs. POEM is focused on supporting Black and multiracial students as they become Peer Support Specialists, and ensures cultural relevance is centered in the training.

Going a bit further than a certification, POEM is creating a community of support by helping individuals connect with other Black and multiracial individuals who share similar goals and experiences. This holistic approach equips participants with not only the technical skills to become certified, but also fosters personal growth that benefits both their mental health and professional journey.

As part of Jubilee Healing Farm's mission to support BIPOC communities, POEM provides a fully funded certification program, removing financial barriers for students. This training and additional workshops is valued at over $600, but is offered at no cost to BIPOC students thanks to grant support. This initiative represents a powerful step towards creating a more diverse and culturally competent mental health workforce.

How to apply

For those interested in becoming powerful advocates for their communities through peer support, POEM offers an exciting opportunity to take the next step in their mental health journey. With its unique curriculum and supportive environment, POEM is paving the way for a new generation to address the complex mental health needs of diverse communities. Click here to complete a short application and be sure to submit it before the December 4th deadline. This cohort is limited to 15 people, so apply today!

Sources

• https://www.mhanational.org/peer-services

• https://www.samhsa.gov/brss-tacs/recovery-support-tools/peers

• https://www.nami.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/improving-health/workforce-peer-support-workers/

• https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/key-ingredients-in-response-to-the-pandemic-peer-support-values/

• https://sites.utexas.edu/mental-health-institute/files/2017/01/Peer-Specialist-Training-and-Certification-Programs-A-National-Overview-2016-Update-1.5.17.pdf

About The Author

Jon Stanley

Volunteer and Training Operations Coordinator at Jubilee Healing Farm

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The Magic of Sheet Mulching: Transform Your Garden

Welcome to the Jubilee Healing Farm blog, where we share our passion for sustainable farming and the joys of connecting with the land. Today, we're diving into the transformative practice of sheet mulching – a simple yet revolutionary method to enrich your garden's soil, suppress weeds, and conserve water.

What is Sheet Mulching?

 Sheet mulching, also known as lasagna gardening, is an agricultural blessing that mimics the natural process of decay on the forest floor. This method involves layering organic materials directly on the ground, which then decompose over time, creating rich, fertile soil. It's a no-till, no-dig technique that helps to build soil health, encourages beneficial microbial activity, and creates a thriving environment for your plants.

The Benefits of Sheet Mulching

 Weed Suppression: Sheet mulching is an effective, organic way to suppress weeds. The layers of material prevent light from reaching the soil surface, inhibiting the growth of unwanted plants.

 Soil Enrichment: As the organic layers break down, they add nutrients to the soil, improving its structure and fertility.

 Moisture Retention: The mulch helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

 Pest Reduction: A healthier soil ecosystem means fewer pest problems as beneficial insects and microorganisms outcompete or prey on harmful ones.

Sustainability: By using locally sourced, recycled materials, sheet mulching is an eco-friendly practice that reduces waste and doesn't require chemical fertilizers.

How to Sheet Mulch

 1. Gather Materials: You'll need a variety of organic materials like cardboard or newspaper, compost, straw, grass clippings, leaves, and manure.

2. Prepare the Area: Mow or trim the area to be mulched as short as possible. Remove any perennial weeds that might push through the mulch.

 3. Lay the Foundation: Start with a layer of cardboard or newspaper. Wet it thoroughly. This layer will block sunlight, smothering existing vegetation and attracting earthworms.

 4. Add Compost: Spread a thin layer of compost. This will introduce beneficial microorganisms and provide a decomposition kick-start.

 5. Build Layers: Alternate green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials. Think of it like creating a giant compost pile.

 6. Top Off: Finish with a layer wood chips to hold everything in place and give your garden a neat appearance.

 7. Water: Give your newly mulched bed a good watering to jumpstart the decomposition process.

 Maintenance and Considerations

 Patience is key with sheet mulching. It may take a few months to a year for the layers to fully break down. During this time, you can plant directly into the mulch by adding a little soil to make a "nest" for your plants.

 Also, consider the materials you're using. Avoid glossy paper and materials treated with chemicals that could harm your soil. Remember, the goal is to create a healthy ecosystem.

Join the Sheet Mulching Movement at Jubilee Healing Farm

 At Jubilee Healing Farm, we're not just practicing agriculture; we're nurturing a living, breathing ecosystem. Sheet mulching is one of the tools we use to achieve this. We invite you to join us in this sustainable practice—whether it's in your own backyard or here, amidst our verdant fields.

Happy mulching and may your garden flourish with life and bounty!

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 About the Author: Nora Dennis is a permaculture enthusiast and the founder of Jubilee Healing Farm, where sustainable practices and deep ecological principles guide our connection with the land.

Jubilee Healing Farm Receives Grant from American Psychiatric Association Foundation

Funding will benefit the development and implementation of the Peer Outdoor Education for Mental Health (POEM) program to support Black college students’ mental health.

 Hillsborough, NC — Jubilee Healing Farm, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being, is a recipient of the MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grant from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and American Psychiatric Association. The $10,000 award, which will be allocated over a two-year period, is a testament to Jubilee Healing Farm’s commitment to addressing mental health disparities.

 This funding will support the development and implementation of the Peer Outdoor Education for Mental Health (POEM) program. POEM is an innovative initiative that blends peer support specialist training with outdoor leadership skills. This unique approach is designed to empower Black college students, providing them with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive both personally and as future leaders in mental health advocacy.

 "The MOORE Equity Grant is not just a funding boost – it's a recognition of the urgent need to address mental health care disparities in our communities," said Nora Dennis MD, MSPH, Founder and President. "Through POEM, we aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where Black students can gain valuable skills, connect with peers, and find healing in nature."

 POEM's curriculum will encompass a range of activities within the context of peer support specialist training, from Earth skills to workshops on mental health topics. This hands-on approach is expected to have a profound impact on the participants, fostering resilience, leadership, and a deeper understanding of mental health challenges and solutions.

 Jubilee Healing Farm extends its heartfelt thanks to the American Psychiatric Association Foundation for their support of the POEM program. This grant marks a significant step forward in Jubilee’s ongoing efforts to create inclusive, effective, and sustainable mental health support systems.

 For more information about Jubilee Healing Farm and the POEM program, please contact Dr. Nora Dennis at jubileehealingfarm@gmail.com.