A Path to Follow

supportworker

A Day in the Life of Sushi our Senior Peer Worker

As a Senior Peer Worker at A Path To Follow, every day is a new adventure. My role combines supporting young people, collaborating with my team, and managing the complexities of peer work within community and related services. Many people often ask what my role involves, so I thought I’d give you a glimpse into a typical day in my life as a Senior Peer Worker! Morning Routine and Preparation My day usually kicks off with a strong protein shake—I’m not a coffee person. Before diving into work, I take time for myself by hitting the gym and lifting weights. It helps me feel energised, positive, and ready to tackle the day ahead. After my workout, I spend a few minutes reviewing my calendar and emails and setting my priorities. Today’s agenda includes a team meeting, check-ins with my peers, handling new referrals, and several appointments with young people. It’s a busy day, but I always carve out some downtime between meetings because self-care is crucial in mental health work.   Team Meeting and Support The day officially starts with a one-on-one meeting with my manager and the Founding Director of A Path To Follow, Kirstie. We check in with each other and then dive into discussing caseloads. This time is invaluable as we debrief on our current projects, address challenges, and ensure we’re aligned. Knowing where we both stand helps us work harmoniously and ensures our peers within the service feel heard and supported. Mid-morning our team meeting starts where I take on a leadership role, guiding our workforce peers, offering insights from my lived experience, and providing practical support. Today, we’re discussing caseload management and sharing strategies on best supporting our younger peers. These meetings also allow us to connect as a team, learn from each other’s experiences, and build stronger bonds. I wrap up the meeting with a discussion on self-care and debriefing, emphasising the importance of prioritising our mental health. I couldn’t do what I do without our incredible team! Youth Peer Support Group One of my favourite parts of the job is creating safe and inclusive community spaces for young people. Today, my co-worker and I are launching our first youth peer support group! We’ve organised activities to engage the young people in an informal, non-clinical environment, building trust and creating a fun way for them to connect. These sessions are about more than just activities; they’re about establishing relationships in a space where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Peer Support Work with Young People The afternoon is dedicated to one-on-one sessions with young people. Each session is different – sometimes we’re having dinner at the office; other times, we’re out bowling or playing basketball. Today, I’m working with a young person struggling with anxiety. We discuss grounding techniques, and I share some strategies that helped me through similar challenges. My role isn’t to be a therapist but to walk alongside them, offering hope and practical support through my lived experience. It’s about creating a safe space where young people know they have someone in their corner, no matter what. Wrapping Up and Reflecting As the day winds down, I update my notes, send follow-up emails, and check in with my team members to ensure they feel supported. Pulse check-ins are a key part of my role—they allow me to connect with my workforce peers, offer guidance, and ensure they feel safe and heard. Before logging off, I reflect on the day’s wins and challenges. Working in peer support is both a privilege and a responsibility; each day brings a renewed sense of purpose. I wrap up by touching base with Kirstie about any outstanding tasks and close my laptop, feeling fulfilled and ready to relax with Beau.   Being a Senior Peer Worker is about connection, support, and empowerment. It’s a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role that reminds me daily of the power of lived experience and peer support in transforming lives. 

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