Creating Peer Support Groups (CAL126, S6, E20)

If you are curious about how to set up your own peer support group, inspired by what Johanna Stadlbauer shared about what Uni Graz are doing, then this episode might get you started. I walk through some of the ‘things to think about’ when setting up peer groups such as the group’s purpose, the focus, and who that would involve, also the group size, meeting frequency and commitment, and choosing between structured or informal formats and related roles. I then walk through two examples of more structured formats: action learning sets which take more of a coaching approach, and peer mentoring models that take more of a consulting or advising approach. I also give some examples of more informal peer groups. Regardless of approach, good listening, confidentiality and a commitment to genuine participation are key. I also refer to some resources and links for further reading and more detailed overview of steps, as well as some related podcasts. Whether you're looking for mutual support, expert guidance, or simply a sense of belonging, there's a group format that can work for you. Give it a try! 00:00 CAL126 Exploring Peer Group Support Models 00:29 Introduction 01:36 Purpose 03:03 Focus 05:03 How Many 06:17 How Often 07:45 Format 08:24 Roles 09:44 Critical Ingredients 11:38 Walking Through Some Examples 12:35 Example: Peer Coaching Groups - Action Learning Set 20:39 Example: Peer Mentoring Groups 25:04 Example: Informal Peer Support Groups 28:23 Recap 30:07 Do What Works for You - Suggestions 33:07 Closing Call and Pointers 36:36 End Related Links Action Learning Sets guidance by Caroline Doherty via the UK NHS Action Learning Sets page Action Learning Sets at Uni of St Andrews as example in an academic context Graz Call for participation in their Collegial Development Programme Kollegiale Beratung in sechs Phasen (Collegial Advising in 6 Phases) Descriptive Consultancy with protocol description Balint Group Method The No Club book and No Club Guidance Related Podcasts Michael Bungay Stanier on the power of curiosity and taming your advice monster Asking good questions, empowering good people (Solo 'Related Work' episode) Oscar Trimboli (Part 1) on being better listeners Oscar Trimboli (Part 2) on how to listen deeply Johanna Stadlbauer on boundaries, agency and community building