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Peer to peer: reducing harm - aiding recovery
David Yates, Learning & Development Manager, Lighthouse Project, Bootle and Keith Jennings, Substance Misuse Trainer, Lighthouse Project, Bootle

Abstract
In 2007 Lighthouse Project presented its Peer to Peer Project at the NDTC looking at the initial pilot of the Peer to Peer Project in Liverpool & Sefton. We explained how a contingency management approach with service users for attending the workshops worked. We explained our rational for taking a Peer Education approach, our commitment to harm reduction and looked at the early outcomes from these Peer education sessions

Some anecdotal suggests that a "street doctor" type culture can perpetuate certain myths & misinformation held by and passed on by longer term drug users. We have found that peer education is a practical way of educating hard to reach groups and If by using peer education as a way of delivering healthier lifestyles and harm reduction messages we begin to achieve a positive behaviour change amongst our client group with the longer term goal of creating a culture change, then this can only be regarded as a positive outcome.

Throughout 2008 we developed the Project in the Liverpool DAT area from its original pilot of six educational sessions into a phased journey over several months. Phase two and beyond covers confidence building, reflective feedback, programme ownership, mentoring, relapse prevention, ETE personal development and train the trainer.

We have witnessed those attending the sessions becoming a stronger force together and a fellowship forming above and beyond our original expectations. Peer to Peer was chosen by the NTA as a model of good practice for the 'Harm Reduction Works' campaign launched in 2008. A group of our Peers presented Peer to Peer to a diverse audience at the NTA North West campaign launch.

We will like to encourage discussion, debate and possible future development of Peer Education as a tool not only for successfully reducing the spread communicable diseases, drug related harm and the reduction of drug related deaths but also to aid service users journey into recovery.

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Biographies

Dave Yates, Learning & Development Manager: Originally a time served Design Engineer / Draughtsman who worked in various roles including management and learning & development in the Engineering and Telecommunication sectors for 24 years.

He joined Lighthouse Project in 2001 as Training Manager for Alternatives to set-up various personal development training programmes including Hair & Beauty, Catering, ICT, Woodwork and Literacy / Numeracy for the service users. These programmes gained accreditation from the Open College Network and OCR. In 2004 he joined the Senior Management team at Lighthouse Project in a new role - Learning & Development Manger. This was to develop and implement a Learning & Development Strategy for the workforce.

To date he has gained a CIPD level 5 qualification in Learning & Development and now manages the Learning & Development team to provide training to all levels of staff, volunteers, service users and external customers at Lighthouse Projects own Learning & Development centre.

Keith Jennings, Substance Misuse Trainer: Keith has been working within the substance misuse field for the past 15 years. Working in a variety of voluntary and statutory organisations such as ; Probation, Homeless Hostels, Detoxification Units, Residential Rehabilitation and for the past 5 years working for Lighthouse Project in the criminal justice field with clients who are placed on Drug Rehabilitation Requirement orders via the courts.

Over the past 15 years of working in the above settings, he has gained vast working experience and knowledge around many areas such as clinical issues, one to one work and group work.

Keith is now employed as Substance Misuse Trainer, providing valuable training in substance misuse and various interventions to our staff, volunteers and external customers. He also provides valuable education, support and co-ordination for our Peer to Peer programmes.

Keith knows that people can make changes in their lives and that they also have the ability and qualities within themselves to make change happen. "As workers all we need to do is listen, create hope and motivate people toward change".