Peer Support is an international movement that can be described as the emotional and practical support between people who share a common experience in their life.  It is characterised by the understanding and empathy that comes from these shared lived experiences. Ruhama’s peer support programme plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging, reducing isolation, and promoting community support amongst the peers using Ruhama’s services. Our peer support programme is guided by the competencies and values of international best practice in peer support including:

• Safety
• Lived experience
• Confidentiality
• Mutual support
• Cultural attunement
• Collaboration
• Self-reflection
• Hope

 

Service users in Ruhama share niche life experiences, people impacted by the sex trade, by sex trafficking, prostitution/escorting and commercial sexual exploitation. Therefore, our peer support programme caters for a unique yet diverse cohort of people, offering peer support that speaks to their individual needs. The stigma and polarised public opinions that surround the rhetoric pertaining to the sex trade can cause disconnection. It hinders the creation of spaces of safety for people to build connections and trust with others where they can feel supported to discuss their struggles both in and out of the life. Peer support is actively helping to address this disconnection.

The programme is being co- developed at every step of the way with a network of dedicated and passionate peer supporters. Striving to offer a programme that is trauma informed, inclusive and welcoming to everyone who walks through the doors of Ruhama.

 

Goals of Ruhama’s Peer Support Programme:

• To offer people impacted by prostitution, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation the opportunity to avail of the mutual support available from peers to navigate life’s challenges, moving forward with a sense of hope.​
• To create safe spaces of belonging and community where sharing lived experiences can help with building trust, developing mutual and empowering relationships.​
• To facilitate Ruhama’s holistic person-centred, trauma-informed approach to service provision- where survivors can amplify their voices to inform policy and service delivery.  ​

You can speak to Trish or your caseworker if you would like more information on the Peer Support Programme.

“It feels good to be among people who have diverse experiences in life, to learn new things and to unlearn old ways of thinking. I feel a sense of connection with other people. My experience might be different from other people but at least I know I’m not alone in this. l feel encouraged. It always gives me joy talking to people that have related issues with me.” – Ruhama Service User