Work

Peer support workers within acute mental health settings: a survey of NHS Trusts providing acute mental health care in England

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: We aimed to quantify the Peer Support workforce within inpatient settings in England.Methods: We surveyed 47 NHS Trusts providing mental health acute inpatient care and asked them if and how they employed Peer Support Workers (PSWs) on their wards.Results: A total of 59% of wards reported employing PSWs with a range of 0–45 PSWs per organisation. Band 3 (£24,071-£25,674 annual salary) was the most frequently reported pay band. Only 16 organisations had policies about supporting PSWs with less than half of the organisations providing access to ongoing training and clinical supervision.Discusssion: There is a relatively low number of organisations providing PSWs and where they do PSWs are often without access to fundamental supports to enable them to function effectively within their roles.

Source: Psychosis

DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2025.2568825

Authors: Katherine Berry, Adele Carolan, Ella Barry, Owen Price

Institution: University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health and Patient Involvement

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Manchester Biomedical Research Centre