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What is Peer Support?
Peer support is when people use lived experiences to support each other.
It involves bringing people together with similar life experiences to give and receive support from one another in a space where we can feel safe, understood and accepted.
It is not a counselling service and peer supporters are not trained counsellors - it is a listening service, rather than a therapeutic one.
Peer support is a welcoming, non-judgmental space to share and be heard by someone who understands.
It's about using empathy to connect with and understand someone’s unique experiences through shared understanding.
What does Peer Support look like?
Peer support is flexible and adapts to the needs of those involved—there is no single way to do it.
It takes place online , in groups or one-to-one, and through various formats such as video calls, audio chats, or text-based communication.
At APUK, we currently offer peer support via video calls. If you have alternative requirements you can discuss these during your triage appointment.
Peer support is not a one-way process. It is a collaborative exchange where both individuals contribute to the conversation.
At its core, it is about listening with empathy, seeking to understand each other’s perspective.
What are my Peer Support options with APUK?
APUK offers three main types of peer support, each providing up to six sessions:
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One-to-One Peer Support: Individual sessions with a trained peer supporter, giving you a private space to share your experiences and receive support tailored to your needs.
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Structured Group Peer Support: Small group sessions facilitated by trained peer supporters, with up to 10 participants going through the sessions together. In the first session, the group will explore what each person is looking for support with, fostering connection and shared understanding.
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Drop in Group Peer Support: These groups offer a more flexible and informal way to connect with other Autistic parents around shared experiences and needs. Topics include EHCP's, Parenting 0-5's, Parenting Teens among others.
Want to find out what groups we currently have running? Check out our group calendar
Submit your referral for Peer Support Below
Please note: After submitting your form, your details will be cleared from the form. This means your form has been successfully submitted. A peer supporter will be in touch in the coming days.
Please note: After submitting your form, your details will be cleared from the form. This means your form has been successfully submitted. A peer supporter will be in touch in the coming days.
Thanks to our funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are now offering one-to-one and group peer support. If you want to access this service, please complete our referral form below.
Frequently asked questions
APUK Small Peer Group Feedback
It’s made me feel less alone. Lots of my feelings about my situation have been validated by sharing with the group. This has had a hugely positive effect on my mental wellbeing.
I struggle to engage with large social media groups so often feel quite isolated. It has been great to connect with like-minded people in a smaller group.
Having access to a friendly, like-minded group of parents for informal chat and support has really helped me feel less alone in my experiences and thoughts.
I feel less alone with some of my experiences so far as an autistic mother, and I've recommended the peer support groups to a few friends too.
Community Guidelines
We know that rules are not always well received but in order to keep our members safe we have some basic rules; each has been well thought out and has a valid rationale behind it. We are happy to chat with you about this further if you would like, feel free to drop us a message.
You can view and download our guidelines here.