In 2025, we launched Peer Support at Future Pathways. We look back at what we did and how people felt about taking part.
Why did we introduce Peer Support?
We knew from feedback that people registered with Future Pathways wanted Peer Support. So, we took steps to make that happen. Mary, our Peer Support Lead, joined Future Pathways and created a programme of workshops and events. She was then joined by Brit and Nicola. Brit is our Engagement Coordinator and Nicola is our Peer Support Coordinator. Together, the Peer Support team make sure that we have a full programme of sessions and workshops. And they make sure people can take part and are supported.
What is Peer Support like at Future Pathways?
In 2025, we had a range of sessions. Some were online and some were in person. These sessions were a chance to meet new people, connect and support each other.
Between June and December 2025, we ran 10 Peer Support sessions. These were across Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow and online. 37 people came long and many people came to more than one session. Some people were supported by Future Pathways and some people were currently on our waitlist.
We also held workshops on First Aid, Mindfulness and Healthy Eating. All of these workshops were really popular.
Our First Aid workshop was done by St Andrews First Aid and you can find out more about them in our interview:
Our Healthy Eating workshop was done by Aberdeen Science Centre. You can find out more about the centre and how they share their learning here:
Our Mindfulness and Stress Management workshop was held by Jen Wood. You can see pictures from this workshop below.
Why did people choose to come along to Peer Support?
There were lots of different reasons why people came along to the sessions. For example, people told us:
“I wanted to see how it goes, I was curious.”
“Feels safe to come to a group like this with other survivors.”
“I want to connect with people, I feel lonely.”
“Helps me feel like I’m not the only one.”
“To be seen for who I really am, not the front I put on for others.”
“It’s something to do outside the house, keeps me social.”
And people also told us how the sessions made them feel. For, example, they said they felt Inspired, part of something, connected, hopeful, heard, safe, understood, accepted and ‘lighter’.
“Saying it out loud takes away its power.”
“I can take the mask off for a while.”
“It feels like … wow.”
“Gives me hope that things can feel different for me one day.”
2026 Peer Support programme
We have a full programme for 2026. This includes sessions in person and online. And we also have 4 workshops.
