Peer Support Resources - Culturally appropriate support

Cultural &
Religious
Expectations

There can be an expectation that faith alone should be enough to overcome challenges, including mental health issues. For example, in communities where strong emphasis is placed on spirituality, there might be a belief that individuals should rely on prayer, divine intervention, or religious guidance to resolve personal difficulties. This can lead to the view that seeking mental health support is an admission of weakness or a lack of faith.

Theological
Concerns

Some may hold the belief that psychological or psychiatric care contradicts religious teachings or trust in God’s will. Mental health treatment, especially when it involves medical or pharmaceutical interventions, might be perceived as undermining spiritual healing or as a form of “worldly” intervention that could distance an individual from their faith.

Fear of
social judgement

Pressure to conform to social norms and maintain a particular image can be intense. People might fear being judged for seeking help outside of the faith community, as this could be seen as a sign of personal failure or a deviation from the prescribed religious path. This concern about reputation or judgment can discourage individuals from seeking the support they need for mental health challenges.

1. Build trust
and rapport

Demonstrate respect for a peer’s faith and incorporate it into the work. This builds trust as peers are more likely to open up and engage when they feel understood and respected in their spiritual beliefs. For example, acknowledging the importance of faith and prayer allows peers to connect on a deeper, more personal level.

2. Integrating
Faith-Based Coping
Mechanisms

Many individuals from religious communities derive comfort, strength, and resilience from their faith and prayer practices. Peer workers who recognise this can see how integrating these practices into coping strategies for mental health challenges can be of benefit. For example, peers might use scripture as a source of comfort or explore how religious rituals can provide a sense of peace during times of distress.

3. Respecting and
Navigating Religious
Beliefs

Peer workers who understand the role of faith in a peer’s life can better navigate potential theological concerns. For instance, when addressing issues like medication or psychiatric intervention, they can engage in discussions that acknowledge the peer’s beliefs, ensuring they feel supported in making decisions that align with their faith while also considering therapeutic options.

This approach helps to reduce the perceived conflict between faith and mental health support, allowing peers to feel more comfortable seeking help without fearing they are compromising their spiritual beliefs.

4. Reducing Stigma
Around Mental Health

When peer workers show sensitivity to the cultural and religious context of mental health, it can help mitigate the stigma around seeking help. Many individuals in religious communities may hesitate to pursue peer support because they fear it will conflict with their faith. However, when peer workers demonstrate an understanding of the role that faith and prayer play in the lives of their clients, it can create a safe space for individuals to express their concerns and find healing without feeling judged or misunderstood.

5. Collaboration
with Faith Leaders

Peer workers who are aware of the positive role that faith and prayer can play in recovery may also consider collaborating with faith leaders, providing a more integrated support system for peers. This collaborative approach can help bridge any gaps between spiritual care and psychological care, ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive support for their mental well-being.

What language do you need support in?

Arabic, Bengali, British Sign Language (BSL), Faris, French, Hindi, Kurdish, Mandarin, Pakistani, Pashto, Polish, Portugese, Punjabi, Somali, Turkish, Urdu