Peer Support in the context of Mental Health Service users and Family members/Supporters refers to an intentional use of their lived and recovery experience to support others who are going through similar experiences in a mutual and reciprocal manner in their own recovery journey.
Peer Support Workers are mental health professionals who use their own personal experiences of mental health challenges and recovery to support others in an earlier phase of their recovery. They work within Community Mental Health Teams. Peer Support working is a recognised grade code by the Department of Health and in 2025 a Senior Peer Support worker role was introduced to the system. Further Information about Peer Support working in the HSE can be found in the HSE Peer Support Workers Toolkit.
Peer Support Workers Toolkit (PDF, size 1.47 MB, 48 pages)
Family Peer Support Work
Family Peer Support Workers have lived experience of supporting a loved one with mental health difficulties.
Family Peer Support Workers work in HSE settings. They do not provide a clinical or a therapeutic service.
The Family Peer Support Worker can offer information, emotional support, and can direct you to other resources and services that might help you and your family cope positively with the challenges you face.
familypeersupport.ie
Accessing Family Peer Support
The service is free of charge.
Family Peer Support is available in the following Mental Health Services:
- CHO 2 - Mayo, Roscommon, East Galway, Galway City, Galway County
- CHO 5 - Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford
- CHO 7 - Dublin South Central, Kildare, West Wicklow
If you have a query please contact mhengage@hse.ie
