What are Peer Lead Organizations

Peer-led organizations are a valuable resource for individuals who are dealing with mental health and/or substance use disorders. These organizations are designed, managed, and operated by individuals who have persevered through similar experiences. Examples of such organizations include consumer-operated services, recovery community organizations, peer drop-in centers, and clubhouses.

Peer-led organizations operate on three primary guiding principles: a belief in recovery, the importance of personal experience, and a responsibility to the recovery community. These groups raise awareness about mental health and addiction, empower individuals, and provide support services such as phone support, meetings, volunteer work, social events, and wellness activities. They concentrate on the particular needs of the people they serve, and peer supporters actively participate in assisting individuals to achieve long-term recovery by sharing their personal experiences and knowledge.