CYP Now - Peer support for parents of disabled children part 1: perceived outcomes of a one-to-one service, a qualitative study

Parents of disabled children are encouraged by health services to seek peer support. Delivering one-to-one support services is resource intensive and so it is important their effectiveness is evaluated. This qualitative study considers the impact on both recipients and befrienders.

Participants were 12 parents and 23 befrienders who had contact with the Face2Face befriending service in Devon and Cornwall during a 12-month period, and 10 professionals from health, social care and education services. A key strength of the evaluation was the involvement of a stakeholder group including parents of disabled people who were able to advise on all aspects of its design.

The catalyst: shared experience

Shared experience was perceived by all participant groups to be central to successful peer support and was a catalyst for other elements of support, enabling parents to:

These elements underpinned perceived outcomes for both parents providing and receiving support.

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