What is Peer Support?
Peer support is a way of providing help to other people. It’s unique because you get support from someone who has “been there” and has personal experience with challenges and life struggles. Our talented team of youth peer support specialists have gone through a variety of different challenges in their life - from dealing with depression and anxiety to being in recovery from addiction. We have firsthand experience dealing with the struggles of life. Peer support specialists listen, help identify strengths and areas of need, identify supports, suggest resources, and help formulate next steps.
WHO is Peer Support FOR?
Peer support is designed for “Transition-aged” youth and young adults who are in the process of transitioning to adulthood. Youth Era considers this age bracket to be between the ages of 14 and 25.
WHAT IS A PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST?
A Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS) is a young person between the ages of 14-25 who has lived experience in mental health, addiction/recovery, incarceration/juvenile justice, foster care, education, LGBTQQI2S, etc. YPSS provide support services to youth and young adults in community-based settings. They deliver a wide range of services to help young people gain control over their lives and create change in their communities. They role model competency in recovery (in mental health, addictions, etc.) and ongoing coping skills.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RECEIVE ONE-ON-ONE PEER SUPPORT?
All Youth Era support services are provided free of cost to youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 25.
HOW CAN I RECEIVE PEER SUPPORT?
Youth Era’s Youth Peer Support Specialists are available in several ways
IN
PERSON
Our Youth Peer Support Specialists deliver peer support at all of our drop-in centers. You can stop by your local drop, contact your regional director, or contact us at Youth Era Headquarters, located in Eugene, Oregon to get connected with a YPSS.
VIRTUAL
OPTIONS
One of the most important ways our team of dedicated peer support specialists connects with youth is through one-on-one meetings, but sometimes it’s not possible to meet in person. Our team of state-certified direct service staff (youth peer support specialists and Wraparound youth partners) can provide one-on-ones via phone, text, or video chat.
SOCIAL
MEDIA
Join Youth Era live on Twitch every Monday-Friday. Our stream provides a safe and supportive opportunity to have fun, receive peer support, and build community online. Any time you tune in, you will have access to (at least) two youth peer support specialists, one who will be streaming and the other moderating the chat.
