Peer-to-Peer Programme
Due to the success of our approach across all services ILS have provided peer-to-peer programme since 2021. Led by Lesley McWilliam who has undertaken training and development programmes with the Scottish Recovery Network to deliver this initiative.
ILS are one of the first in D&G to commit and structure peer-to-peer into our ethos. Working in partnership with our clients has enabled them to volunteer for our service, or other services to use their lived experience in a positive way to help their community. We Are With You partner with ILS to help deliver the peer-to-peer programme. In 2026 D&G Health & Social Care Partnership has funded ILS develop the peer concept project further, particularly looking toward referral pathways to support mental health and recovery in Dumfries and Galloway.
Most of our clients have come through our peer-to-peer programme as a result of the success of our services. Not all will go onto volunteer but their contribution back to their community is equally important with clients taking up employment in organisations, and/or going onto further their learning and education. These are very proud moments for ILS when this happen!
For each peer-to-peer person that graduates our programme we provide a certificate, and small gift to mark the achievement of each attendee. The programme runs over a number of weeks to help prepare the person to become comfortable in using their lived experience to the benefit of their recovery – as described above – but it has enduring and empowering rewards for the community as a whole. Age is not a barrier to our peer-to-peer development and we are keen to ensure that we utilise experience from both our services.
To enquire about our peer-to-peer programme please email our enquiries@ils-dumfries.co.uk
Below is an outline of our peer course structure over 12 weeks:
Course Structure:
Referrals: ILS internal referrals & multi-agency partner network
Area of services: Dumfries & Galloway
Group Size: Maximum 10 participants.
Duration: 12 weeks
Content: Mental health awareness, recovery principles, confidence building, lived-experience sharing
Final Session: Group presentation + Certificate of Achievement
Facilitation: two members of staff currently facilitate sessions, due to the nature of the topics allowing a participant to talk through their emotions directly with a member of staff. ILS tailor the model to suit the groups we are delivering to, using a mixture of videos, talking about topics and slide shows. Staff also use interactive prompts and games to improve group dynamics.
For further information: enquiries@ils-dumfries.co.uk
• Session 1: Meet and greet
• Session 2: What is recovery
• Session 3: Personal recovery
• Session 4: What is peer support
• Session 5: The Peer relationship
• Session 6: Review and evaluation
• Session 7: Use of language and communications
• Session 8: Using your experiences effectively
• Session 9: Surviving and thriving
• Session 10: Positive risk taking and boundaries
• Session 11: Self-help, self-management, and self-care
• Session 12: Review and evaluation
Accreditations & Funders
