The graduation event, held in Taunton, brought together the new peer mentors with family members, friends, colleagues, community partners and stakeholders to recognise the commitment, resilience and personal growth of each individual who completed the programme. Also in attendance for the celebrations was Julie Bass, Turning Point CEO, Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, and Rob Isaacs, Deputy Mayor for Taunton.
Throughout the programme, the SDAS Peer Mentors developed the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to support people who are accessing treatment and support. Training covered communication skills, safeguarding, maintaining healthy boundaries and how to provide safe and effective support.
The graduation provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on how far they have come, their determination, and the difference they can make to the lives of others using their own lived experience.
Peer mentors understand the challenges, setbacks and successes that can be part of recovery because they have faced many of them themselves. Their experiences can help people feel less alone, more hopeful and more confident about the future.
Joseph Olubodun, SDAS Peer Mentors, Volunteers and Get Connected Team Manager, said:
"Today marks one of the most inspiring events in the SDAS calendar as we celebrate recovery, resilience and the incredible achievements of our Peer Mentors at their graduation ceremony.
Each graduate stood before friends, family and peers to share their recovery journey with honesty, courage and determination.
Together, we recognise not only how far they've come, but the positive impact they will have on others beginning their own recovery journey."
During the event, graduates shared reflections on their experiences of the programme and the impact it has had on their confidence, recovery and ability to support others.
Councillor Evie Potts-Jones, Somerset Council's Lead Member for Public Health, said:
"Today's graduation celebrates courage, resilience, and lived experience from our Peer Mentors. The graduates have used their own recovery journeys to help others. They are inspiring role models in their communities. We are very proud of everything they have achieved."
The SDAS Peer Mentor Programme is part of Turning Point's commitment to building strong recovery communities across the country. By creating opportunities for people to draw on their lived experience to support others, the programme not only supports those currently accessing services by showing that recovery is possible, but it also helps peer mentors continue their own recovery and personal development.