Peer Connect

Start a peer group workbook

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Drawing of a lined piece of paper. There is a hand holding a pencil and writing on the piece of paper

This workbook can help you plan a peer support group.


Write your ideas down. 


You do not need to have it all worked out. 


You can change your plan if you want to.

Drawing of a man with hand on his chin

1. Why do you want to start a group?


If you know why, it can help people decide if they want to join the group. 

Woman learning

What will your group do or learn?

Woman is walking up to 3 people. There is a green tick between them.

What support or connection will the group offer?

Woman learning

Does it make sense to other people? 


You can tell 2 or 3 people about your group. 


Ask what they think the group is for. 


Did they understand? 


If not, can you make it clearer?

Two male friends with their arms around each other's shoulders. One has a turban on his head.

2. Who is the group for?

Think about the people you want to join your group.

What will people in the group have in common? 

• an experience 
• an interest 
• a need 

Woman thinking

What else do you need to think about? 

• age 
• where people live
• culture 
• communication support 
• access support 

Drawing of a woman and man facing each other. Next to the man's mouth there is a speech bubble with a question mark inside. Underneath the speech bubble, there is an arrow pointing from the man to the woman.

Who can you talk to about your group idea?

Drawing of chairs and benches placed in a circle.

3. Plan how your group will meet

How will your group meet?

Choose what you can manage.

4 people gathered around having a peer group meeting

How will your group meet? 

• face to face 
• online 
• both 

Calendar

How often will your group meet? 

• every week 
• every 2 weeks 
• every month

Drawing of chairs and benches placed in a circle.

Where will your group meet? 

• a community room 
• a library 
• an online meeting

Drawing of a piece of paper with 3 clocks to the left. There is a squiggle next to each clock to indicate people can speak for a set amount of time.

What will happen at a meeting?

• welcome people 
• talk about a topic
• do an activity 
• plan the next meeting 

You can change this later. 

How will people ask to join the group? 

• email you 
• fill in a form 
• ask another member 

4. What do you need to get started?

What do people need to take part?

  • a ramp or step free entrance
  • captions
  • communication support
  • information given in different ways
  • a computer
  • help using technology
  • paper and pens
  •  money for the meeting place
Drawing of 3 people helping each other to move boxes

Who can help?

You do not have to run the group on your own.

Other people can help.

Drawing of a woman and man facing each other. Next to the man's mouth there is a speech bubble with a question mark inside. Underneath the speech bubble, there is an arrow pointing from the man to the woman.

Are there other groups that can help? 

• tell people about the group 
• provide a meeting place 
• support the group in another way

Drawing of a piece of paper with 3 clocks to the left. There is a squiggle next to each clock to indicate people can speak for a set amount of time.

5. Start planning your first meeting

  • date
  • time
  • meeting place
  • online link
  • who is coming
Woman is walking up to 3 people. There is a green tick between them.

How will you make people feel welcome when they get there?

Drawing of a person pointing to a list of rules.

What will happen at the meeting?

  • say hello to people
  • tell them what the group is about
  • talk about the group rules
  • talk about a topic or do an activity

Check that people can take part in the group.

Write down anything you still need to organise.

Man asking a question

What support do you need to get?

Drawing of a woman and man facing each other. Next to the man's mouth there is a speech bubble with a question mark inside. Underneath the speech bubble, there is an arrow pointing from the man to the woman.

6. Ask what people think

Your first meeting does not have to be perfect. 
Ask members what worked well. 
Ask what you can change for the next meeting. 

Woman thinking

Ask people what they think of your group.

• What worked well? 
• What was not clear? 
• What can be easier next time? 
• What can we change? 
• Will you ask for feedback by email, talking or writing it down? 
Your notes 

Drawing of a lined piece of paper. There is a hand holding a pencil and writing on the piece of paper

Use the feedback to make your group plan better. 

You can keep changing the group as you learn what works.

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