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.
Below, we have information about Peer Support at Future Pathways – what Peer Support is, what it is like at Future Pathways and how to take part in Peer Support sessions.
View and download our main booklet:
View and download our main booklet as Easy Read:
Mary, Brit and Nicola work together to plan our Peer Support programme and run sessions and workshops. We find out more about the work they do.
Mary, Peer Support Lead
I am the Peer Support Lead. This means that I create the Peer Support programme. And I help make sure it runs smoothly. I also go to the Peer Support sessions and workshops to help make sure they run smoothly. You will see me in person and online groups.
You will see me in person and online groups until the middle of May. After that, I’ll be leaving Future Pathways to do a different role. The Peer Support programme will not change at all. It will be run by Brit and Nicola who are wonderful members of the Peer Support Team.
Brit, Engagement Coordinator
I am the Engagement Coordinator. My role is to give administrative support to the Peer Support Team. I manage the Peer Support phone line and email. I help people sign up for sessions and answer any questions. I also organise venues and catering for events.
During Peer Support sessions, I provide safeguarding. This means I help everyone feel safe and supported. Your safety and wellbeing is really important to the Peer Support Team.
Nicola, Peer Support Coordinator
I am the new Peer Support Coordinator. I am thrilled to be here at Future Pathways. I will help support existing groups and help create new ones too. I will also be working on developing new ways we can offer Peer Support.
I am passionate about Peer Support. In my previous jobs, I have helped create peer support communities. These are spaces where people can share their lived experience and everyone’s voice can be heard.
In December, we had a Peer Support workshop at Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC). We chat to Vanessa from ASC to find out more about their work.
Can you tell us a bit about Aberdeen Science Centre?
Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC) is the oldest science centre in Scotland. We are a Scottish charity and have been running for over 35 years. We focus on science, technology, engineering and maths. We want to make these topics accessible, exciting and enjoyable for everyone.
What can we learn about at ASC?
Every year, we engage with over 65,000 people. This includes programmes for the public, schools and in the community. Our team of experts spark people’s curiosity. They want to inspire people, whatever their age or background. They help to turn tricky science into easy-to-understand activities.
Aberdeen Science Centre did one of our Peer Support workshops. Can you tell us more about the different types of workshops you do?
Our Community Team loves bringing science to life. We make our sessions to suit as many people as possible. Our workshops cover all sorts of topics. We do hands-on fun like volcanoes, space, and mixing chemicals. And we also do relaxed, chat-based sessions on mental health, nutrition, and how small healthy choices can make a big difference.
Our recent session with Future Pathways focused on nutrition and healthy eating. But, just as importantly, it gave everyone a chance to chat, connect, and enjoy a safe, welcoming space.
We had an amazing group of adults join us from all over the UK, including Cumbria, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Arbroath, Aberdeen, Inverurie, and York. It was so lovely to see people open up, share ideas, and support each other. We are looking forward to our next adventure!
For a tailored session or any enquiries: community@asc.scot
Group Agreement for Peer Support
In Peer Support sessions and workshops, we all follow the Group Agreement. It helps everyone feel safe, welcome and included.
Keep things private
You can talk about your own experience outside of the group, but do not share anyone else’s name or story.
No pressure
You choose what you want to share. You do not have to speak or answer a question. Some people come along to share, and some come to just listen and connect. It is up to you.
Listening with care
When someone is talking, we listen. We give each speaker our full attention. We do not have side conversations.
Respect differences
Everyone is different. We do not compare or judge. We all have different opinions. We can disagree, but we do not argue.
Take care of yourself
Your wellbeing comes first. If you need a break, you can leave the room. You do not need to explain why. If you leave the room, a member of the Peer Support Team will come to see if you are OK.
Make time for other people
Your own words are important but try to be aware of how long you are speaking for. The facilitator will also help to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.
Sharing contact details
After the session, you can share contact details if you want. You do not have to do this. And you do not have to accept anyone else’s contact details or contact them.
Kindness
We treat everyone with kindness and respect. We do not speak about anyone in the group in an unkind way. We do not use abusive words.
Different journeys
Some people have thought about their own experience for many years. Some people may not
have shared their experience before. Everyone is welcome here, and we do not judge.
Stay on topic
We focus on our own experiences and on Peer Support. We focus on hope, experiences and connection.
Support to follow the Group Agreement
Everyone’s wellbeing is really important. We want to make sure everyone has a good experience in the group.
If someone is not following the agreement, a member of the Peer Support Team may:
- gently move the conversation along
- remind the person about the group agreement
- suggest a short break
If the same issue continues, a member of the Peer Support Team will:
- talk with the person privately
- make sure the person understands the group agreement
- talk about how to keep the sessions safe, welcoming and respectful
If a person’s behaviour makes the group unsafe, a member of the Peer Support Team might:
- ask that person to take a break from the session
- ask that person to leave the session
- talk to the person about how we can support them to take part in a way that keeps everyone safe
This Group Agreement has been created by people in our Peer Support community. If you have any questions about the Group Agreement or if you think anything is missing, contact the Peer Support Team:
Peer Support Team
Email: peer-support@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone or text: 07552 393 019
You can download a copy of the Group Agreement below.
We are very pleased to be running new Peer Support sessions in 2026. These are open to anyone who is registered with the service, including people who are on our waitlist.
We have Peer Support sessions online and in person. There is never any pressure to share your lived experience when you come to a Peer Support group. It is just about spending time with each other, connecting, meeting new people and building supportive relationships.
Taking part
There are limited spaces at all sessions and workshops. So if you would like to come along, please let our Peer Support Team know.
Peer Support Team
Email: peer-support@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone or text: 07552 393 019
If you need support to arrange transport to your nearest session, or need help with the cost, please let us know. We may be able to help.
Peer Support sessions 2026
At each session, we will talk about what Peer Support is and we will agree how we run the session. There will be time for socialising and we will provide lunch at all the venues.
You can view and download our 2026 Peer Support Programme and view the full listing below.
APRIL
9 April 2026, Stirling
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
The Barracks
Forthside Way
Stirling FK8 1QZ
MAY
13 May 2026, Inverness
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Merkinch Community Centre
Coronation Park
Inverness IV3 8AD
20 May 2026, online
10:00am-11:30am
Maximum number: 12 people
Online, on Microsoft Teams
JUNE
11 June 2026, Aberdeen
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Café hoy
Beach Boulevard
Aberdeen AB24 5HP
JULY
2 July 2026, Fort William – CANCELLED
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Nevis Centre
Studio 1
An Aird
Fort William PH33 6AN
14 July 2026, online
10:00am-11:30am
Maximum number: 12 people
Online, on Microsoft Teams
AUGUST
5 August 2026, Glasgow
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
The Mitchell Library and Theatre
North Street
Glasgow G3 7DN
SEPTEMBER
2 September 2026, Perth
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Culture Perth & Kinross
A K Bell Library
2-8 York Place
Perth PH2 8EP
30 September 2026, online
10:00am-11:30am
Maximum number: 12 people
Online, on Microsoft Teams
OCTOBER
7 October 2026, Irvine
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Volunteer Rooms
High Street
Irvine KA12 0AB
NOVEMBER
3 November 2026, Edinburgh
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Edinburgh Printmakers
1 Dundee Street
Edinburgh EH3 9FP
19 November 2026, online
10:00am-11:30am
Maximum number: 12 people
Online, on Microsoft Teams
DECEMBER
8 December 2026, Glasgow
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
The Mitchell Library and Theatre
North Street
Glasgow G3 7DN
Peer Support Workshops 2026
We have 4 workshops where we will learn about different topics and do activities together. Please let us know if you are interested in coming.
Mindfulness and Stress Management Workshop
In this workshop, we will learn about how to manage everyday stress. We will also do a short breathing meditation. A local mindfulness provider will help us do this. You can do the activities, or just watch and learn. This workshop will last for 1 hour and will take place online, on Microsoft Teams.
24 April 2026, online
2pm-3pm
Maximum number: 12
Online, on Microsoft Teams
3 July 2026, online
2pm-3:30pm
Maximum number: 12 people
Online, on Microsoft Teams
Art Gallery Guided Tour Workshop
In this workshop, we will learn about art. A local service will help us do this. This workshop will involve walking indoors. This workshop is in Dundee and will last for 2 hours.
24 June 2026, Dundee
1pm-3pm
Maximum number: 15
V&A Dundee
1 Riverside Esplanade
Dundee
DD1 4EZ
Botanic Gardens Guided Walk Workshop
In this workshop, we will learn about plants. A local service will help us do this. This workshop will involve walking outdoors. This workshop is in Edinburgh and will last for 90 minutes.
19 August 2026, Edinburgh
11am-12:30pm
Maximum number: 12 people
Royal Botanic Garden
John Hope Gateway (West Gate)
Arboretum Place
Edinburgh
EH3 5NZ
19 August 2026, Edinburgh
1pm-2:30pm
Maximum number: 12 people
Royal Botanic Garden
John Hope Gateway (West Gate)
Arboretum Place
Edinburgh
EH3 5NZ
Mental Health First Aid
We will be learning about mental health first aid. Mental health first aid is where you learn how to help if someone is in danger because of their mental health. You can get involved with some practical activities, or you can just watch. It is up to you. This session will last 2 hours and take place in Glasgow .
22 October 2026, Glasgow
1pm–2:30pm
Maximum number: 15
The Mitchell Library and Theatre
North Street
Glasgow
G3 7DN
Taking part and booking your place
There are limited spaces at all sessions and workshops. If you would like to come along, please contact the Peer Support Team:
Peer Support Team
Email: peer-support@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone or text: 07552 393 019
If you need support to arrange transport to your nearest session, or need help with the cost, please let us know. We may be able to help.
St Andrew’s First Aid did a workshop with us as part of our Peer Support programme. We talk to Daniel from St Andrew’s First Aid to find out more about the charity
Can you tell us a bit more about St Andrew’s First Aid?
St Andrew’s First Aid is Scotland’s main first aid charity. We want to help people learn first aid. We do a range of different work. For example, we do workplace training for businesses across Scotland. As part of this, people can get a first aid qualification.
People pay for the training. The profits from the training go to the charity. This means that we can teach basic first aid classes for free! We do these in schools, community groups and other charities.
Our work is supported by volunteers. They give their time to make sure anyone in Scotland can have the chance to learn first aid. And they make sure people can access the learning they need.
You’re a Community Engagement Administrator. Can you tell us more about what that means?
I look after the requests that come in to St Andrew’s First Aid. They might be from schools, community groups or charities. I work with the volunteers to do as many of the requests as possible.
My favourite part of the role is raising awareness of our free sessions with different groups. For example, some community groups might not know much about first aid. Or they might not be able to access learning easily.
How can people get involved with St Andrew’s First Aid?
If you are interested in finding out more about the work the Community Engagement team does, then visit our page here:
If you are interested in exploring our volunteering opportunities, then visit our page here:
If you are under 16, then check out our youth groups here:
What resources can people look at to find out more?
Take a look at our Community Engagement Learning resources page here:
This has a range of content you can read, listen, watch, or download. We also have some resources in different languages.
Mary, our Peer Support Lead, tells us more about the sessions so far.
Since June, we have held 4 Peer Support sessions – in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and online. It has been wonderful to see so many people attending. Some people are on the Future Pathways’ waitlist and others have been supported by the service.
We have been starting our sessions with tea and coffee, and time to settle in. Everyone at Peer Support is invited to share how they are feeling. Or, they can just listen and take part in a way that feels right for them.
At Peer Support, we also make a group agreement. This helps everyone feel safe and respected. We talked about the importance of respect and listening, and how we can make sure everyone feels included.
We have also been working on our Peer Support Tree. Each leaf shows someone’s hope for what they want to get from coming to the group. People have been writing things like “to feel stable”, “to be supported”, “to be believed and valued” and “to meet people who get it”.
Some people said they came to Peer Support because they felt lonely or were looking for something to do. Others were curious or wanted to try something new. When we asked how people felt afterwards, they said things like “connected”, “hopeful”, “inspired” and “not alone”.
Thank you to everyone who has come along so far. This year is focused on our group sessions and workshops. We are always looking for feedback and new ideas for things we can try in the future.
If Peer Support sounds like something you would like to try, we would love to welcome you to a session.
Taking part and booking your place
There are limited spaces at all sessions and workshops. If you would like to come along, please contact Mary:
Mary, Peer Support Lead
peer-support@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone or text: 07552 393 019
If you need support to arrange transport to your nearest session, or need help with the cost, please let Mary know. We may be able to help.
Information about Peer Support is now available in Easy Read and in BSL (British Sign Language).
We include information on:
– what Peer Support is
– what Peer Support is like at Future Pathways
– how to take part in Peer Support sessions
We are very pleased to be running new Peer Support sessions and workshops in 2025.
There are Peer Support sessions every month. These are online and across Scotland. There is never any pressure to share your lived experience when you come to a Peer Support group. It is just about spending time with each other, connecting, meeting new people and building supportive relationships.
Taking part
There are limited spaces at all sessions and workshops. So if you would like to come along, please let Mary know. Mary is our Peer Support Lead.
Mary, Peer Support Lead
Email: peer-support@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone or text: 07552 393 019
If you need support to arrange transport to your nearest session, or need help with the cost, please let Mary know. We may be able to help.
Peer Support sessions 2025
At each session, we will talk about what Peer Support is and we will agree how we run the session. There will be time for socialising and we will provide lunch at all the venues.
JUNE
27 June 2025, Edinburgh
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Out of the Blue Drill Hall
30-38 Dalmeny Street
Edinburgh EH6 8RG
JULY
16 July 2025, Aberdeen
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Love Rara
6-14 Justice Street
Castlegate
Aberdeen AB115HR
29 July 2025, online
10:00am-11:30am
Maximum number: 12 people
Online, on Microsoft Teams
AUGUST
12 August 2025, Inverness
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Spectrum Centre
1 Margaret Steet
Inverness IV1 1LS
SEPTEMBER
9 September 2025, Fort William
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Nevis Centre
Studio 1
An Aird
Fort William PH33 6AN
23 September 2025, online
10:00am-11:30am
Maximum number: 12 people
Online, on Microsoft Teams
OCTOBER
2 October 2025, Perth
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
Culture Perth & Kinross
A K Bell Library
2-8 York Place
Perth PH2 8EP
NOVEMBER
21 November 2025, online
10:00am-11:30am
Maximum number: 12 people
Online, on Microsoft Teams
26 November 2025, Glasgow
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 15 people
The Mitchell Library and Theatre
North Street
Glasgow G3 7DN
DECEMBER
3 December 2025, Oban
11:30am-2:00pm
Maximum number: 12 people
Corran Halls
54 Corran Esplanade
Oban PA34 5AB
Peer Support workshops 2025
We have 3 workshops about different topics. Not all the dates and venues are confirmed yet. But you can still let us know if you are interested. We will then contact you when the details are confirmed.
First Aid mini session
August, Glasgow
This will be run by St Andrew’s First Aid. We will be learning about first aid and CPR. CPR is when someone gives chest impressions to a person whose heart has stopped beating. You can get involved with some practical activities like doing CPR or applying a bandage. Or you can just watch. It is up to you. This session will last 2 hours and take place in Glasgow.
Mindfulness and Stress Management Workshop
October, online
A local provider will run the workshop. They have worked with Future Pathways before. We will do a short breathing meditation and will learn about how to manage everyday stress. You can do the mindfulness exercises, or just watch and learn. This workshop will last 2 hours and take place online, on Microsoft Teams.
Healthy Eating and Nutrition Workshop
December, Aberdeen
This workshop will be at the Aberdeen Science Centre. We will learn about why a healthy diet is important and how to eat a balanced diet on a budget. We will also learn about how healthy eating affects our mental health. This workshop will last 2 hours and take place in Aberdeen.
Taking part and booking your place
There are limited spaces at all sessions and workshops. If you would like to come along, please contact Mary:
Mary, Peer Support Lead
Email: peer-support@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone or text: 07552 393 019
If you need support to arrange transport to your nearest session, or need help with the cost, please let Mary know. We may be able to help.