Implementing Peer Support in Harm Reduction Workplaces

Peer Support Community Partners and RIZE MA have partnered to bring peer support to Harm Reduction workers and managers.

This is a project that is crucial for longevity in this work. Burnout rates are extremely high due to many factors and our goal is to find ways to support the amazing folks who give so much of themselves to the people they serve.

During this project I have been able to travel to many harm reduction organizations and hear from the people doing the work as well as those that are managing and supporting teams.

One of the most beautiful things that I have been honored to see is how supportive so many managers are to their participants and staff and how much peer support is already a staple in their work lives.

I have heard so many fantastic and innovative ideas on what folks would like to see for support in this work. I think one of the great ideas is one I heard just last week. I was told that they would like to see self care plans that are ready to go before ever starting in a harm reduction position. It was also shared that prevention for burnout would have to consist of a myriad of options as no two people are the same.

This project started out with the idea we could bring support groups for harm reductionists as well as a mentoring program but has since taken on a life of its own.

Our work is directed by the Community Advisory Board that we have and what folks tell me on my visits. Consensus has been that we need to offer many different support services like:

• A one-on-one peer support number folks could call when things get rough (we have started to work on advertising this)

• Support groups during and after work hours (this is starting in just a few short weeks)

• Groups with and without managers

• And more…

Most importantly, though, they need time with each other when they are not serving others. Times when they can get together with their own peers and just be together laughing, crying, talking and not talking. Just really being with each other is something that used to happen in the earlier years of harm reduction history and it was found to be very helpful. These were not meetings per se, they were social gatherings where they were free to debrief in a way that worked for them.

There are many moving parts to this pilot project but it is evident that we will identify a lot of useful information and ideas on how to prolong a person's ability to stay in this field and take good care of themselves too.

I am excited to meet more new folks and to see what other support we can put in place to serve those that serve our most vulnerable and marginalized community members.

It has truly been an honor to meet the people I have met and to visit so many fantastic organizations. 

This project is outlining so many ways we can collaborate with others and be able to increase support to those in this field.