10/06/2026
Over the past two weeks I’ve had the pleasure of delivering two training and development sessions for the wonderful team at CLAPA supporting their peer supporters.
Session one focused on opening conversations, building trust and supporting people effectively. Session two explored navigating difficult conversations, maintaining healthy boundaries and prioritising volunteer wellbeing - topics chosen by the peer supporters themselves!
As a huge advocate for peer support these are some of my favourite sessions to deliver. Peer supporters bring something incredibly valuable that cannot be replicated through professional training alone: lived experience, genuine understanding, hope, and connection.
To do this role well (and sustainably!) peer supporters need opportunities to develop their skills, reflect on their role, understand boundaries and protect their own wellbeing. Investing in peer workers is not just about improving support for others. It is also about ensuring that those who give so much of themselves feel confident, supported and valued.
A huge thank you to CLAPA for inviting me back for a second year running. It is always a privilege to work alongside organisations that are so committed to supporting, developing and empowering their volunteers. I hope to support you again in the future
