Youth Peer Support

Everyone wants to be seen and heard when they are struggling.
 Often that means by someone who just “gets it.”

A peer is someone we identify with -- whether that is because of gender, race, culture, age, etc.
 Peers are important for teens since they often turn to their peers for support before anyone else.
 Peer support can be especially helpful for youth from historically excluded communities. They
 may face challenges that others cannot relate to because they have not experienced them. But
peers can fill that gap.

When it comes to mental health, peer support gives youth the chance to feel understood by
 someone who also lives with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. Peer support
 improves the well-being of the person providing support as well, since they are able to use their
 challenges to help others.

Peer support can happen in many different ways. Here are some
 examples of the three levels of youth peer support: