Aim
To provide families with a child diagnosed with sepsis (surviving and bereaved) with opportunities for connection with others, validation and normalisation of their experience.
Outcome
Mentees develop an increased sense of confidence and wellbeing, problem solving ability, adaptive coping, sense of social support and acceptance of their situation when being assisted by consumer (peer) mentors.
Background
Literature suggests that peer support in health is a valued and unique form of assistance not typically met by the formal service systems.
Parents and carers identified feeling isolated during and after their child’s hospital admission with sepsis, and that this sense of isolation was amplified by the lack of understanding and information about sepsis within the community. These families sought validation and normalisation of their experience and a need to connect with others who had a level of understanding of their experience.
The PMP is co-designed by consumers and delivered by consumers. It aims to provide families with the unique understanding, encouragement, and support which only another parent or carer who has walked a similar path can provide.
Development of the PMP has been collaborative and considered, involving key stakeholders and our consumers, with guidance from The Australian Centre for Social Innovation.
Peer Mentors have first-hand experience with the challenges and adjustment faced by mentees and hence can “walk alongside” the mentee, assisting them to navigate the sepsis journey. Mentors provide reassurance to mentees, normalisation of their experience, understanding of their grief and trauma and information about helpful services and resources.
