ARAS FOLLAIN Peer Support Centre

Margo O’Donnell-Roche 085 8607856 email; margo@arasfollain.ie www.arasfollain.ie

In 2004 a partnership Peer Befriending Project started in which peers provided support to

each other in their recovery from mental health difficulties. This led to the first model of

peer support training being developed by 2 people with lived experience. At this time there

was a small amount of funding available to pay the peer befrienders.

In 2006, a conference and week long training with Shery Mead on Intentional Peer Support

was organised. The conference was well attended by people that use the mental health

services, family members and mental health professionals from all over Ireland,

26 people with lived experience completed the Intentional Peer Support

Training.

It was identified that a space was needed for themselves, and that led to finding the

building. Which was officially opened in 2007 as Aras Folláin Peer Support Centre.

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Aras Follain is a peer-led initiative which aims to empower persons in their physical, emotional, spiritual and mental development through generating an open, non-judgemental environment.

Áras Folláin aspires to facilitate people in their respective challenges to develop, through peer support - equal status –assisting and encouraging one another, social skills, personal development, self-recovery and well being in their daily lives

Áras Folláin aims to Áras Folláin aims to support wellbeing peer supportsocial interaction, self-care programmes. information and peer advocacyvalue and uniqueness of each person cultural perspectives as a resource.reduce social isolationimprove self concept independence control personal development

Shine Family Support Group Men’s Shed Addiction Aftercare Spectrum Social Circle Young Girls Group G.R.O.W. Walk n Talk Group Shine Peer Support Group Mums on the Move Friday Brunch Sunday Social Sessions

Anger Management Peer Support Group Facilitation Stress management Self-Advocacy Skills Mindfulness Wellness Recovery Action Plan Creative Space

Áras Folláin promotes a wellness and recovery model for people who have experienced mental health difficulties

or who are at risk of mental ill health through social isolation,

family circumstances disability unemployment etc

The centre is run by a steering committee made up of representatives from all of the groups that run it the

house.

Peer support is a system of giving and receiving help founded on key principles of respect, shared responsibility, and mutual agreement of what is helpful. (Shery Mead, 2003) ......Peer support promotes a culture of health and ability rather than one of illness and disability (Mead et al, 2001).

Is a helping relationship that promote respect, trust and warmth and empowers us to make changes and decisions to enhance our lives (British Columbia Peer support Training Manual, 2001)

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1. How would you like to be supported if you were having a hard time?

2. Do you think you could support someone who was having a very hard time?

3. Would you be able to accept unusual behaviour if it was helpful to the other person and not hurting anyone else?

4. Would you be able to accept the other person’s reality if it is different to yours?

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• Confidentiality –the cornerstone of trust• Respect• Genuineness• Competence• Building relationship• Mutual Responsibility• Valuing Community Connection• Having Fun• Taking Care of Yourself• Safety• Non-Judgemental/World view• Boundaries

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• Sense of worth• Social skills• Confidence building• Comfort/compassion• Hope and support• Sense of humour• Learn about yourself• Sharing your experiences with others• Putting back into the community• Self esteem/self worth• Co-operation• Help yourself by helping others

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Empowerment relates to people taking decisions for themselves.

For too long people have been subject to the views and decisions of people who think they know what’s best for them in terms of treatment, care and how to live their lives.

Empowerment enables people to take charge of their own lives and is a key component in recovery from severe mental illness.

The commitment and passion of our volunteers enables the continuation of the development of the peer support network

Connections

Training in WRAP, Peer Support & Advocacy to support volunteers in this rewarding & often challenging role.

Respecting the confidentiality of people coming to Aras Follain

Commitment to the agreed times

Willingness to participate, learn and have fun

Recovery is not managing illnessIt’s discovering wellnessRecovery is not fixing what’s brokenIt’s finding wholeness, meaning, and

purposeA love for lifeRecovery is a journeyA reconnection to self, others, nature, and

SpiritA willingness to forgive, an openness

toward reconciliationA search for peace …- Duane Sherry