The Magic of 'Being With': Lisa Archibald on Peer Support's Impact
I think what I noticed was that it felt like I'd found my tribe, and when I was in all these other spaces, all the conversations were about what's not working in my life, and it was like being in this vortex of negativity.
Ever felt the power of just being with someone who truly gets what you're going through? In this episode of the Making Recovery Real podcast, Lesley from the Scottish Recovery Network sits down with Lisa Archibald, an Intentional Peer Support Coordinator and Trainer, to unpack the transformative magic of peer support. Lisa's journey into peer support began after she noticed the negative focus in traditional clinical settings.
She found solace and acceptance in peer relationships, where she could be open and honest about her experiences without judgment. Lisa emphasizes that peer support isn't just about individual connections; it's a powerful social movement. By sharing stories and supporting each other, peers can challenge the dominant narratives around mental health and advocate for radical changes in policies and systems.
Lisa argues that to foster more peer support opportunities, we need to rethink traditional supervision models and create spaces for reflection and growth. One of Lisa's key points is the importance of embracing failure as part of the journey. She encourages us to push past the fear of failure and work together for transformative change in mental health systems.
Her insights are both inspiring and practical, offering a roadmap for making mental health recovery real in our own lives and communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the power of human connection and the potential of peer support to drive meaningful change. Tune in to hear Lisa's valuable insights and join the conversation on how we can make a real difference in mental health recovery.