The service, operating in Colchester and Tendring, pairs individuals experiencing mental health difficulties with six peer support workers. These workers leverage their own experiences to foster trust, provide encouragement, and help individuals overcome barriers to accessing healthcare.
Between August 2025 and August 2026, the peer support workers facilitated attendance at 385 important healthcare appointments, including 330 GP appointments and 55 outpatient appointments. This intervention is estimated to have saved the NHS £22,000 by preventing missed appointments. Additionally, the team supported five individuals during mental health crises, helping to avert A&E visits and potential hospital admissions.
Peer support workers offer personalised assistance, typically over 20 to 24 weeks. This support includes accompanying individuals to appointments, aiding with counselling access, managing financial and housing concerns, and facilitating reintegration into their communities. Over the past year, the service has addressed more than 1,550 issues, ranging from benefits and housing assistance to finding specialist counselling, befriending services, and help with drug and alcohol-related difficulties. A further 345 individuals were assisted in accessing other health services.
For many people, having someone alongside them who understands what they are going through can make a life-changing difference.
Testimonials highlight the profound impact of the service. One individual shared, “I have been really struggling with my mental health and now, with the support from my peer support worker, there is hope for the future.” Another expressed, “I don’t know where I would be if they hadn’t come into my life, I feel I can breathe again.” The service also combats loneliness and isolation by building confidence for everyday activities and social connections.
SUMMIT has established peer support groups in Colchester and Tendring, providing ongoing community support. Participants have reported increased confidence in social situations, with one stating, “I feel so much more confident going out on my own now,” and another adding, “I feel like someone is listening to what I need.”
“"We are proud to work alongside SUMMIT to provide this valuable service, which shows just how powerful lived experience can be in supporting people’s mental health."
“"Peer support is about helping people feel heard, understood and supported by someone who has experienced their own mental health challenges."
The service, now in its second year, is seeing increasing referrals as more NHS mental health teams and community services recognise its value. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between health services, charities, and community organisations to ensure earlier access to support and prevent mental health deterioration.
