Table 2 Master list of issues identified by peer workers from a socio-ecological perspective
Socio-Ecological Model Level | Issues faced by peer workers |
|---|---|
Individual | • Lack of adequate skills and confidence. Examples of topics identified include recognizing signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and challenges, self-defence, conflict resolution, first aid, and communication. • Personal health and lack of opportunities for self-care and de-stressing. |
Inter-personal | • Lack of access to peer-to-peer debriefing. • Strained relationships with other professionals e.g. Police and paramedics. |
Organizational | • Inequity in the workplace including inequitable pay, differential treatment of peer workers. • Precarious/ unstable jobs. • Lack of respect and recognition at work. • Lack of role clarity. |
Community | • Lack of respect and recognition for peer workers in the community (by other professionals). • Lack of access to and awareness of community resources such as government issued ID cards, detox, etc. |
Policy or Society | • Stigma. • Low minimum wage. • Harmful policies such as criminalization of drug use. • Lack of adequate housing supports. |