Peer Support Isn’t Soft. It’s Radical Care In A Broken System

At CAPITAL, we don’t just talk about change—we live it, deliver it, and demand more of it. Peer support isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ extra. It’s essential. It’s disruptive. And when it’s done right—independently, relationally, and from a place of lived experience—it changes lives.

We’ve Been There. That’s Why We’re Here.

Every CAPITAL peer worker has their own experience of mental health crisis. We know what it’s like to be inside those hospital walls. That’s why we walk the wards not as staff, but as equals—people who’ve been through it and made it out the other side.

“As peer supporters at CAPITAL, we use our training, lived experience and our own mental health journey to support people who have been hospitalised because of their mental health.” – CAPITAL Peer

“They can see and understand that while they are currently in a ‘bad place,’ recovery is possible... returning to their old life is a real possibility.” – NHS Ward Staff

This isn’t just support. It’s hope made visible. We hold space without judgement, listen without time limits, and remind people that healing is possible—even when they’ve lost sight of it.

Trust That Can’t Be Manufactured

In a system under pressure, peer support offers something clinical roles often can’t: presence, patience, and connection.

“They actually listen and let you finish.” – Inpatient

“Seeing a familiar face meant I didn’t have to explain everything again.” – Inpatient

“…helped me feel centred and calm—it’s more effective than any medication I’ve had here.” – Inpatient

Across 1,911 evaluations, 95% of patients found conversations with peers helpful or very helpful. 94% felt listened to. The numbers back it—but the human outcomes say even more.

Supporting People, Not Just Systems

Peer support doesn’t just benefit individuals—it improves whole environments. It reduces pressure on staff. It changes the culture of care.

“Peer workers take pressure off our clinical staff.” – NHS Staff

“They’re an emotional anchor for people going through a crisis.” – NHS Staff

“Losing peer support would be absolutely detrimental to the ward.” – NHS Staff

This is value-for-money that goes beyond spreadsheets. For £25k per hospital per year, you get 12 trained, trauma-informed peer workers embedding hope, co-production and continuity into care. Just one avoided readmission (£13k) offsets most of the cost.

The Risk? We Lose It All.

And yet—right now—CAPITAL’s hospital peer support faces termination.

Our Pathfinder contract budget cut. No provision in the upcoming West Sussex procurement for peer services in hospital settings. From October 2025, the entire service could vanish.

“If no peer support exists in the future, inpatient life will lose some of its richness… peer workers offer great value for money.” – NHS Ward Staff

“My fear is that by withdrawing Capital Support Workers... a chance to build rapport and signpost will be missed.” – NHS Ward Staff

We cannot let that happen.

Here’s What Needs to Happen

If we’re serious about recovery-oriented, rights-based mental health care, we must:

- Secure ongoing funding to keep peer support embedded in every inpatient ward

- Integrate peer roles into discharge and aftercare—so the support doesn’t stop at the hospital door

- Recognise peer work as skilled, essential and independent, not as a substitute for clinical staff

- Support peer-led leadership and co-production, not just token involvement

This Isn’t Optional. It’s Urgent.

“The NHS staff are excellent, but their time is limited. Peer support workers offer friendship, understanding, and hope.” – Inpatient

Without peer support, people will be more isolated. Staff will be more stretched. Continuity of care will be broken. And some will suffer more than they need to.

Peer support isn’t a luxury. It’s radical, it’s relational—and it works.

Duncan Marshall. CEO, CAPITAL Project Trust

www.capitalcharity.org