Peer power helps break cycle of deprivation & dependency in Bristol

Golden Key has appointed local charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI) to help harness the power of peer mentoring.

Peer volunteers use their direct experience of homelessness, mental health issues, offending behaviour and substance abuse - issues faced by Golden Key clients – to offer encouragement to others going through similar situations. Golden Key is committed to putting this expertise at the heart of the partnership.  

Part of this commitment involves offering each Golden Key client their own peer mentor volunteer who will have first hand experience of having faced similar challenges and turning their life around.  Crucially peer mentors will act as positive role models, inspiring hope for clients who often feel that no meaningful change is possible in their lives.  These peer volunteers will work alongside Golden Key clients and their service coordinators, who will pull together relevant services and act as an advocate on the client’s behalf.

Following a procurement process, led by Second Step and supported by Bristol based charity Voscur, DHI has been commissioned to implement this crucial aspect of the partnership.

Hannah Mahoney, Golden Key Programme Manager, said: “DHI has an excellent track record for establishing and delivering client-led peer mentoring services.  We were impressed by their commitment to their clients and enthusiasm for delivering this innovative service.  We would like to thank Voscur for their support in selecting such a dynamic partner.”

DHI will now be working with a range of local voluntary organisations and communities to recruit 75 peer mentor volunteers to support Golden Key clients.

Rosie Phillips, DHI Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to play a part in such an important partnership. At DHI we are committed to challenging social exclusion by supporting people to achieve their potential and contribute to their community.  The Golden Key partnership offers a valuable opportunity to do just this.  Peer mentoring is a powerful tool which offers benefits to all involved.”

As well as supporting clients, peer mentoring also offers many benefits to the volunteers themselves.  Utilising their unique lived experience and sharing their journey can help further their own recovery.  By learning and developing a wide range of skills, supported by community mentors from the business and other sectors, they will build their employability and move forward with their ambitions. Some will gain paid peer work, and others will use their experience to work in other sectors. 

Talking about their experience a Peer Volunteer said: “DHI helped me build skills and confidence and encouraged me to do things that I probably wouldn’t have on my own. I’ve gained experience in many areas as a peer mentor which has prepared me well for full time employment.”