"Like a weight off my shoulders": Participating in peer support from the perspectives of young people experiencing homelessness.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore how young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability experience participating in peer support from paid peer support specialists with shared lived experiences. The present study used participatory qualitative methods, specifically a photovoice project with young people (N = 8) experiencing homelessness or housing instability, to understand their experiences of being in a relationship with a peer support specialist. This study found that young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability experienced peer relationships as uniquely caring and affirming. Young people described peers as "feeling like a friend" and repeatedly expressed that peer support is "deeper than therapy." This sort of support stands in contrast to many conventional service approaches, which tend to be driven by organizational agendas and outcomes leading young people to disaffiliate from services. These findings may guide peer support specialists, service providers beginning peer programming, or those considering models for engaging young people experiencing homelessness.