scholarly journals Peer-support groups for cross-border victims of terrorism: Lessons learnt in the UK after the 9/11 and Paris attacks

Temida ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-76
Author(s):  
Jelena Watkins
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Complex Problems ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
The Uk ◽  
International Incidents

When people become victims of terrorism in a country other than their own, they often face diverse legal, financial, cultural and political difficulties. This paper addresses peer support groups in their various forms (e.g. therapeutic support groups, victim association gatherings, online forums, etc.), as an effective way of helping people affected by cross-border terrorist attacks to deal with the complex problems they face, thus alleviating some of their suffering. It focuses on two major international incidents affecting British nationals: the attacks of 11 September 2001 and the Paris attacks of 13 November 2015. The author was an initiator of peer-support systems for the UK-based bereaved and survivors following both atrocities. Here, she draws on her experience to highlight the benefits and identify potential challenges of such peer-support groups in tackling some of the complex problems individuals affected by cross-border terrorist attacks encounter.

scholarly journals Patient support groups: A survey of United Kingdom practice, purpose and performance

2020 ◽  
pp. 175114372095201
Author(s):  
Jeremy Groves ◽  
Julie Cahill ◽  
Gordon Sturmey ◽  
Mo Peskett ◽  
Dorothy Wade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Patient Support ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Uk

Background Critical care survivors face physical, psychological and socio-economic burdens. Peer support is acknowledged as a way individuals can face, accept and overcome the challenges arising from a stressful event. We sought to examine the provision and benefits of peer support to critical care survivors in the UK. Method We distributed a survey, devised by the patients and relatives committee of the Intensive Care Society and ICUsteps, to contacts in 163 UK Trusts/hospitals with critical care departments. The benefit to individuals was assessed by seeking the views of attendees of two support groups. Results A response was received from 91 (56%) of the critical care departments. Of these, 46 (48% of respondents) have patient support groups. Our analysis of comments from 30 people is that support groups greatly benefit service users and staff. Conclusions Attendees of patient support groups gave highly positive comments about the service yet provision of patient support groups in the UK is not universal. Recommendations We make a series of recommendations for consideration by UK health care providers.

scholarly journals Supporting the survivors: Experiences and perceptions of peer support offered to UK terrorist survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-79
Author(s):  
Nichola Emma Jalfon Rew
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Terror Attacks ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Positive Experiences ◽  
The Uk

Recent terror incidents in the UK, including the targeting of concert attendees in Manchester, to individuals socialising and working in central London, highlight the public’s vulnerability and that attacks can be indiscriminate, resulting in any individual becoming a victim to this fearful crime. As a consequence of these and other attacks, including those overseas, media reporting within the UK has increasingly focused on the inadequate levels of support offered to survivors from official agencies. However, little evaluation has been conducted regarding the benefits of support networks and online support groups created directly by those individuals affected by terror attacks. Quantitative research findings obtained through a self-administered online questionnaire, completed by 81 survivors of terrorist attacks who are members of different peer support networks in the UK, endorsed that while victims feel that adequate professional support is lacking, significant positive experiences have been achieved through peer support, particularly through the internet. This first independent academic study found that it was these methods of support that had the most resonance with individuals and offers several recommendations, based on findings, which could enhance and improve support for survivors of terrorism in the future.

Using peer support groups to enhance community integration of veterans in transition.

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles E. Drebing ◽  
Erin Reilly ◽  
Kevin T. Henze ◽  
Megan Kelly ◽  
Anthony Russo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Community Integration

scholarly journals Perceptions of Peer Support for Victim-Survivors of Sexual Violence and Abuse: An Exploratory Study With Key Stakeholders

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110079
Author(s):  
Alison Gregory ◽  
Emma Johnson ◽  
Gene Feder ◽  
John Campbell ◽  
Judit Konya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Service Improvement ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Safety Considerations ◽  
The Uk

Experiences of sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, and sexual assault are common across all societies. These experiences damage physical and mental health, coping ability, and relationships with others. Given the breadth and magnitude of impacts, it is imperative that there are effective, accessible services to support victim-survivors, ease suffering, and empower people to cope, recover and thrive. Service provision for this population in the United Kingdom is complex and has been hit substantially by austerity. Since positive social support can buffer against negative impacts, peer support may be an effective approach. The aim of this exploratory study was to capture the views and perspectives of professional stakeholders concerning service provision for victim-survivors, particularly perceptions of peer support. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted in the UK during 2018 with six professional stakeholders, highly experienced in the field of service provision for victim-survivors of sexual violence and abuse. An abductive approach to analysis was used, applying principles from thematic analysis. Our sample comprised four females and two males, and their roles included psychiatrist, general practitioner, service improvement facilitator, and senior positions within victim-survivor organizations. Interviews highlighted models of peer support for this population, good practice and safety considerations, and a lack of uniformity regarding quality and governance standards across the sector. Findings indicated that current funding models impact negatively on victim-survivor services, and that provision is fragmented and insufficient across statutory and not-for-profit sectors. The influence of the medical model upon service provision was evident, which resulted in apprehension around support delivered in less-usual forms—including peer support. Further research is needed to explore the potential of peer support for victim-survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

scholarly journals Peer support program (P-SUP) to strengthen self-management in patients with chronic conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Giesen ◽  
H Könnecke ◽  
M Redaèlli ◽  
D Simic ◽  
M Heßbrügge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Telephone Coaching

Abstract Background Chronic care programmes (CCPs) ensure a standardised, evidence based and structured patient care. In Germany, CCPs are successful in improving quality of care and making care more patient-centred. Regarding self-management support, however, the programs only feature patient education and shared decisions on treatment goals. Peer support has proven to be a successful component in outpatient care to enhance self-management. The aim of this study is to support patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease in conducting successful self-management through a multimodal program. Methods This randomized controlled trial (RCT) is set up for 27 months and will include a study population of approximately 1800 patients, beginning in summer 2020. The primary outcome (PO) is the reduction of hospital admissions. In addition to the PO, secondary outcomes include motivational and knowledge-based aspects. Furthermore, health-competitive and health-economic data will be collected. The formative evaluation will review the processes for implementation. The central element of the intervention will be peer support groups, in which the group will participate in physical activities and educational lectures on nutrition, exercise or disease related knowledge. Additionally, a specially designed online platform, personalized feedback for patients on medical outcomes from their family doctors, and regular telephone coaching to increase intrinsic motivation and activation will be provided. Results In addition to the primary outcome (reduction of hospital admissions), increased motivation levels, improved quality of life and increased health literacy are expected. Conclusions This project, funded by the Federal Joint Committee (establishment of statutory health insurance funds and medical providers in Germany), can serve as a blueprint for future implementations of public health approaches and accessible care models for patients with chronic conditions. Key messages Peer support as a successful method to enhance self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. A multimodal program, consisting of peer support groups, an online platform, personalized medical feedback and telephone coaching, aiming to improve quality of life in patients with chronic conditions.

scholarly journals What families in the UK use to manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a survey of resource use

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000771
Author(s):  
Philippa Fibert ◽  
Clare Relton
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveTo identify interventions being used to manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the UK.DesignA survey within the Sheffield Treatments for ADHD Research project. A convenience sample of participants in the UK who consented to join an observational cohort were asked closed questions about medication, behavioural change programmes and service use, and an open-ended question about what else they used.SettingA broad variety of non-National Health Service, non-treatment seeking settings throughout the UK, including local authority organisations, schools, ADHD and autism spectrum condition support groups and social media.ParticipantsFamilies of children aged 5–18 with carer reported ADHD and Conners Global Index (CGI) T scores of 55+.ResultsResponses from 175 families were analysed. The mean age of the children was 10.21 (2.44), and two-thirds (n=114) had additional diagnoses. The majority used medications to manage ADHD (n=120) and had participated in a parenting class (n=130). Just over a quarter (28%, n=49) did not use ADHD medications, and used sleep medications. Just under half had consulted psychologists (n=83), and 32 had participated in other talking therapies such as psychotherapy, counselling and cognitive–behavioural therapy. A few used aids such as reward charts or fiddle toys (n=17) and participated in activities (mostly physical) (n=14). A substantial minority (78/175) had used non-mainstream treatments, the most popular being homoeopathy (n=32), nutritional interventions (n=21) and bodywork such as massage or cranial osteopathy (n=9).ConclusionsFamilies reported use of a wide variety of treatments to help with management of their children with ADHD in addition to their use of mainstream treatments.

scholarly journals Combining online and offline peer support groups in mental health care: A qualitative study of service users� experiences (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Strand ◽  
Deede Gammon ◽  
Lillian Sofie Eng ◽  
Cornelia Ruland
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Individual Interviews

BACKGROUND Peer support groups for people with long-term mental health problems are at the heart of recovery-oriented approaches in mental health care. When conducted face-to-face (offline) or on the Internet (online), peer support groups have proven to have differing strengths and weaknesses. Little is known about the benefits and challenges of combining the two formats. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to gain insights into the benefits and challenges of combining online and offline peer support groups facilitated through an Internet intervention designed to support recovery processes. METHODS In this exploratory and descriptive study, an e-recovery portal called ReConnect was used by service users in two mental health communities in Norway for 6-12 months. The portal included an online peer support forum which also facilitated participation in local in-person ReConnect-cafés. Both formats of peer support were facilitated by an employed service user consultant with lived experience of mental health problems and with training in peer support. Qualitative data about service users’ experiences of using the portal were collected through focus groups and individual interviews and inductively analyzed thematically with focus on benefits and challenges of peer support online and offline. RESULTS A total of 14 service users 22-63 years of age with various diagnoses, receiving services at both primary and specialist levels of mental health care participated in three focus groups and 10 individual interviews. Two main themes were identified in the analysis: 1) balancing anonymity and openness, and 2) enabling connectedness. These themes are further illustrated with the subthemes: i) dilemmas of anonymity and confidentiality, ii) towards self-disclosure and openness, iii) new friendships, and iv) networks in the local community. Three of the subthemes mainly describe benefits. Challenges were more implicit and cut across the subthemes. Identified challenges were linked to transitions from anonymity to revealing one’s identity, how to protect confidentiality, or to participation at face-to-face meetings in the local community. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that online peer support groups and offline meetings complement each other, and the combination is mainly beneficial to users. The identified benefits appeared to arise from participants’ options of one format or the other, or that they could combine formats in ways that suited their individual values and comfort zones. We also identified challenges related to combination of formats, and both formats require appropriate facilitation of peer support. Combining online formats that enable anonymity, a non-judgmental atmosphere, and 24/7 accessibility regardless of location, with offline formats that foster local, in-person community ties, is a promising concept for facilitating recovery-oriented care, and warrants continued research.

scholarly journals Exploring women’s perceptions of pain when breastfeeding using online forums

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Line Caes ◽  
Katie Abbott ◽  
Sinéad Currie
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Women’S Perceptions ◽  
Breastfeeding Cessation ◽  
Pain Experiences ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Despite numerous benefits, many mothers stop breastfeeding soon after birth. A common reason for this is the experience of pain or discomfort. One resource which women use to share their breastfeeding challenges and seek support are online forums. This study aimed to collect data from online forums to explore 1) usage of forums as social support for breastfeeding-related pain; 2) experiences of breastfeeding-related pain; 3) perceptions and strategies to deal with breastfeeding-related pain; and 4) the impact of pain on breastfeeding duration. Methods Data was gathered through searches of online forums based in the UK and USA: Netmums, What to Expect and Mumsnet using key terms: ‘painful breastfeeding’ and ‘sore breastfeeding’. Data extraction took place in July 2018 and included posts made between 2012 and 2018. Data included 123 posts and 193 replies, analysed using thematic analysis. Results The first theme identified was ‘variation in types of pain’, highlighting the variety of painful experiences and their descriptions. In particular, this theme reveals the large variety of different types of pain women experience at different stages throughout their breastfeeding journey, as well as the different pain characteristic they focus on in the description of their experience (i.e., location, sensory or physical aspects). Secondly, the theme ‘perceived causes and explanations for pain’ revealed how women interpret pain experiences either due to a recognised condition or behavioural cause. The third theme ‘cessation of breastfeeding related to pain’ identified. How women experience both physical and psychological struggles (e.g., guilt) related to breastfeeding cessation, with pain being a main factor in considering cessation of breastfeeding. Finally, the theme ‘shared experiences and support’ identified women’s strong need for both practical and emotional support to deal with pain. Many women look for this support through the knowledge exchange offered on the online forums. Conclusions Pain was a key reason for breastfeeding cessation, commonly associated with strong feelings of guilt. The online forums provide a unique form of social support for breastfeeding women to find ways to cope with the pain, while highlighting the urgent need for more appropriate antenatal education on realistic expectation surrounding breastfeeding.

scholarly journals Trainees4trainees: an innovative peer support project for junior doctors across specialties

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S126-S126
Author(s):  
Sophie Behrman ◽  
Aisling Higham ◽  
Haido Vlachos ◽  
Gerti Stegen
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Impact

AimsThe BMA's survey results (Caring for the Mental Health of the Medical Workforce, 2019) and HEE's NHS Staff and Learners’ Mental Wellbeing Commission report (2019) highlighted declining staff wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened focus on this and the effects of moral injury on healthcare professionals. Shielding, social distancing and redeployment led to many medical trainees being increasingly isolated at a time of heightened anxiety and adversity. Psychiatry trainees tend to have good access to reflective groups, but this is not customary in other training programmes.MethodIntervention“Trainees4trainees” was set up by trainees across specialties as a HEE-TV well-being project, led by the Deanery Trainee Improvement Fellow. Peer support groups are run on Zoom, facilitated by 2 trainees with special training in peer support. Psychiatry trainees have been involved in designing and facilitating groups and training facilitators from other specialties; facilitators have regular supervision from a consultant psychiatrist in medical psychotherapy. Trainees are supported to discuss challenging experiences and think about their emotional responses in a supportive and validating group.ResultFeedbackWe are in the process of formal data collection to assess the impact of the intervention. Informal feedback suggests the groups are a powerful support to individuals who otherwise have no avenue to think about the psychological impact of their experiences. The groups have supported trainees to feel less isolated and bolstered their resilience.ConclusionFuture plansWe have faced challenges in the practicalities of establishing and maintaining groups. We are working with Training Programme Directors to move towards running the groups in protected time within working hours and advocate that reflective groups, such as our peer support groups, are a key part of future medical and surgical Training Programmes.

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