Inequalities experienced by peer support workers

Purpose There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that there is an interrelationship between inequality and mental illness. The aim of this study was to determine how inequalities contribute to the development and/or maintenance of mental health issues, from the unique perspective of peer support workers (PSWs). An exploration of the factors underlying the development of mental illness in participants with lived experience, the association between inequality and mental illness will be better understood. Design/methodology/approach Four female PSWs employed by a UK secure mental health hospital were recruited and divided into two focus groups to discuss their experiences. A qualitative design adopting thematic analysis was used to identify common themes, focusing on inequalities and mental illness. Findings Six themes were identified: experience of trauma/abuse in childhood, fewer opportunities in employment/education, social isolation/lack of support, service issues, improvements to services, equality and mental health. Originality/value The recommendations provided by PSWs can promote accurate and appropriate awareness of mental health issues: developing staff awareness/training opportunities (e.g. e-learning programmes) and co-producing information leaflets outlining inequalities in mental health services. This is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, to consider the relationship between inequality and mental illness from the perspective of PSWs. This is of particular importance given the emerging role of PSWs in the health system.