1-2-1 peer support – support with 1 volunteer. You will have ongoing emotional support via text, email, or WhatsApp. If screen time is a trigger for you, we can organise support via phone calls.

Group support – a group chat can sometimes be more beneficial if you have more complex needs, or you may be matched with a mentored volunteer who is training.

We have volunteer peer supporters from a variety of backgrounds (different ethnicities, religions, sexualities, gender identities, abilities, classes, regions, nationalities, job roles etc.) and with a range of personal experiences (such as fertility treatment, miscarriage, termination, breastfeeding through HG, service families etc.). If you wish to be matched with someone with a similar experience or background to you then do tell us and we will always aim to match you with the most appropriate person.

All volunteers go through a robust application process, which includes a telephone interview and professional references as well as online training and are supported closely by the team at PSS-HQ.

Lots of people find peer support improves their wellbeing and helps them to advocate for themselves.  It can help you to be more open about what you are experiencing and reassure you that you are not alone. By speaking with someone who has previously experienced the condition it can introduce you to ideas and approaches that other people have found helpful.

Peer support helps you share your feelings and emotions. It’s common to feel nervous or worried about what people will say, and it’s likely that your peers will understand. They might feel the same way too and it’s up to you how much you share.

Although many people find peer support helpful, not everyone does. You might find that it does not suit you or does not meet your needs. There might also be times when other people’s experiences feel unhelpful or triggering for you.

If it is not the right thing for you now, you should still be able to access it in the future if you want to. How much communication you and your peer supporter have is completely up to you. Some people find having daily conversations is helpful however some people prefer to exchange messages once or twice a week, this can be discussed with your volunteer.

• A confidential and safe service
• Regular contact reducing isolation and fear of this debilitating condition. The level of support will be determined by you in conjunction with your volunteer peer supporter/s
• Support can be provided via telephone, text, WhatsApp, or email. On occasions, people have also met their volunteer peer supporter face to face if they are local to them
• If you are unable to build a rapport with your volunteer peer supporter/s, please let us know and we will do our utmost to offer you another volunteer peer supporter.

While we offer this service to as many people as possible there may be occasions where applicants are not eligible for this service. This could be for a variety of reasons; for example, your needs are beyond our remit and knowledge base, however we will always refer you to more appropriate organisations. Peer support is also only available for UK residents and sufferers who are currently pregnant.