An Evaluation of Veteran-Led Peer Support Services for UK Veterans with Complex Mental Health Needs

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and effectiveness of veteran-led peer support services for veteran participants, members of the clinical team, and the peer support staff engaged in service delivery within Combat Stress, a United Kingdom (UK) based veterans’ mental health charity. Three hundred veterans actively engaging at the time of evaluation were invited to participate in an anonymous survey. A cross section of staff were also invited to participate to provide an insight into their perspective of the effectiveness of the service. The results highlighted that peer support delivered by UK-based veterans’ mental health charity, Combat Stress, is a well-received service and is valued by staff and veterans alike. The survey data indicated that peer support helps veterans engage with clinical services, whilst also reducing isolation and stigma. This program profile suggests that peer support may be an effective bridge to help veterans engage in treatment, potentially increasing treatment completion rates and improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, the results complement other work in this field that has identified a reduction in perceived stigma from those who use peer support.

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