Helping others – the bigger picture

When you’ve considered how much time and energy you have available to help, you might also want to consider where you invest your energy.

Motivation is important here. Think about what motivated you to come on this course and let us know in the comments below.

Do you enjoy working on a one-to-one level, really getting to know someone and providing detailed support?

Do you enjoy helping a broader group of people in your own community, for example, a community in your local area or a community of experience? A community of experience is a group of people who choose to come together around a shared interest or shared experience.

Or do you enjoy shaping and influencing policy and strategy at a national level and working with the ‘big picture’?

How you answer, will help you decide how to use your energy. It will also help you decide whether Step Three of the programme is for you. Step Three is for people who want to become a Peer Leader. A Peer Leader is someone who wants to work collaboratively with the health and care system because they want to change what happens at a strategic or ‘big picture’ level. You can find out more about Step Three in your course booklet.

So to recap, it’s better to start small when setting your boundaries, it takes courage, practice and support… and is a skill you can master!