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.

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 programmes please email our enquiries@ils-dumfries.co.uk