What is peer-to-peer support in integration?
Peer-to-peer support involves structured programmes that connect children and young people on the move with others who have similar experiences, creating opportunities for mutual support, shared learning, and relationship building. These programmes recognise the unique insights, resilience, and support that young people can provide for each other.
Peer support leverages the natural tendency for young people to relate to and learn from others who have walked similar paths. It provides a complement to adult-led services by offering support that is relatable, authentic, and empowering for both those giving and receiving support.
Effective peer support programmes are facilitated and supported by trained adults but are driven by the experiences, insights, and leadership of young people themselves.
The value of peer support in integration
Peer support offers unique benefits that complement other forms of support:
Shared Understanding:
- Peers understand the specific challenges and experiences of migration and integration
- Common cultural backgrounds and languages can facilitate communication
- Shared experiences create natural empathy and connection
- Validation of experiences and emotions from those who truly understand
Authentic Role Modelling:
- Peers provide relatable examples of successful integration
- Demonstration that challenges can be overcome and goals achieved
- Inspiration and motivation from seeing others succeed
- Realistic perspectives on both challenges and opportunities
Empowerment and Agency:
- Opportunities for young people to take leadership roles
- Building confidence through helping others
- Development of advocacy and communication skills
- Recognition of young people's strengths and contributions
Cultural Connection:
- Maintenance of cultural identity and connections
- Sharing of cultural knowledge and practices
- Support for bicultural identity development
- Connection to cultural communities and resources
How peer support enhances integration
Peer support impacts all dimensions of integration:
Foundations:
- Sharing practical knowledge about accessing services and resources
- Providing emotional support during difficult times
- Offering guidance on navigating systems and processes
- Building resilience through shared experiences
Autonomy:
- Supporting each other to understand rights and options
- Encouraging self-advocacy and independence
- Sharing decision-making strategies and experiences
- Building confidence to voice needs and preferences
Personal Capacities:
- Celebrating and building upon individual strengths
- Sharing coping strategies and life skills
- Supporting identity development and self-confidence
- Encouraging pursuit of goals and dreams
Environment:
- Helping each other navigate community resources and opportunities
- Working together to address discrimination and barriers
- Creating welcoming spaces for cultural expression and connection
- Supporting each other in building positive community relationships
Social Connections:
- Building meaningful friendships and support networks
- Facilitating introductions to other positive relationships
- Creating opportunities for group activities and shared experiences
- Supporting each other in maintaining important family and cultural connections
Sustainability:
- Building long-term support networks that extend beyond formal services
- Developing leadership skills and capacity for ongoing mutual support
- Creating systems for welcoming and supporting newly arrived peers
- Building community capacity for long-term integration support
Models of peer support programmes
Buddy Systems:
- Pairing newly arrived children with those who have been in the community longer
- Structured introduction and support processes
- Regular check-ins and guided activities
- Focus on practical support and relationship building
Support Groups:
- Regular meetings of young people with similar experiences
- Facilitated discussions and shared problem-solving
- Peer education and skill-sharing opportunities
- Emotional support and validation
Peer Mentoring:
- Training older youth to formally mentor younger children
- Structured programmes with clear goals and activities
- Regular supervision and support from adult facilitators
- Focus on leadership development and skill building
Advocacy and Leadership:
- Young people working together to advocate for policy and service improvements
- Participation in advisory groups and decision-making processes
- Public speaking and community education activities
- Development of advocacy skills and civic engagement
Cultural and Artistic Expression:
- Group activities focused on cultural sharing and creative expression
- Storytelling, arts, music, and performance opportunities
- Cultural celebration and education events
- Building pride in cultural identity while sharing with broader community
Key principles for effective peer support
Youth-Led Approach:
- Young people should be central to programme design and implementation
- Adult facilitation should support rather than direct peer interactions
- Recognition of young people's expertise on their own experiences
- Opportunities for leadership development and skill building
Safety and Support:
- Clear guidelines and boundaries for peer relationships
- Training and support for peer supporters
- Adult supervision and intervention when needed
- Safe spaces for sharing and expression
Inclusivity and Diversity:
- Programmes should welcome young people from diverse backgrounds
- Recognition of different needs, experiences, and cultural perspectives
- Attention to gender, age, and other identity factors in programme design
- Anti-discrimination policies and practices
Skill Building:
- Training for peer supporters in communication, listening, and support skills
- Development of leadership, advocacy, and organisational abilities
- Building confidence and capacity for ongoing peer support
- Recognition and certification of peer support skills
Programme implementation considerations
Recruitment and Engagement:
- Outreach to diverse communities and service providers
- Clear information about programme goals and expectations
- Voluntary participation with ongoing consent and choice
- Recognition of different levels of engagement and participation
Training and Preparation:
- Orientation to programme goals, expectations, and boundaries
- Skill building in communication, listening, and support
- Training on recognising when to seek adult help
- Ongoing professional development and support
Structure and Activities:
- Regular meeting schedules and consistent venues
- Mix of structured activities and informal interaction time
- Opportunities for both giving and receiving support
- Celebration of achievements and milestones
Support and Supervision:
- Regular check-ins with peer supporters
- Adult facilitators available for guidance and intervention
- Referral systems for complex issues or crises
- Ongoing evaluation and programme improvement
Key actions and considerations for service providers:
- Engage young people as partners in designing and implementing peer support programmes
- Provide appropriate training and ongoing support for peer supporters
- Create safe, welcoming spaces for peer interaction and support
- Develop clear policies and procedures for safeguarding and boundary setting
- Connect peer support programmes with other services and support systems
- Monitor outcomes and collect feedback to continuously improve programmes
- Advocate for recognition and funding of peer support as an effective intervention
- Build sustainability through youth leadership development and community ownership