“A genuine reminder of what we’re working towards.”
Celebrating Peer Support in Cardiff and Vale
This project shines a light on the unique value of peer support across our local recovery and mental health systems. Through powerful storytelling and peer-led co-reflection, we explored what’s working, what’s missing, and what peer workers need to thrive.
Using the Most Significant Change approach, we gathered 22 real stories from volunteers and staff with lived experience, highlighting the transformative impact of peer work for both those giving and receiving support. We also trialled dedicated co-reflection sessions to offer space for learning, connection and support across roles and services.
Please get in touch if you would like us to run a session for you.
It is all about strengthening what makes peer support special and protecting it as our workforce grows. This work was made possible by funding from the Cardiff and Vale Area Planning Board.
Stories gathered
Deeper Stories
Panel attended by 13 people, peers, decision makers, academics
Trial co-reflection sessions, attended by 30 individuals
Regional event, ‘The Significance of the Peer Workforce.’ Attended by 33 people
Participants across roles and services, contributing to one or more of these activities
Behind the Stories:
the insights
Most significant change report
Explore what we discovered together
most significant change summary
Short on time? Start here.
coreflection report
See what co-reflection revealed
Real Change, In Their Words:
Peer Stories
‘Voices of Peer Support’ booklet (22 stories from the peer workforce)
‘This is what Recovery Looks Like’ storybook (10 local stories of recovery)
Read and share these stories with others so they will feel inspired and empowered about their own journeys.
If you’d like to purchase copies of the Storybook for your organisation, get in touch. These are perfect for people accessing support, navigating change or simply looking for encouragement.
Local people. Local stories. Real recovery.
“I never used the word ‘beautiful’ before. But that’s what it is now. And that’s what I want others to see—recovery isn’t just about survival. It’s about living. And it’s possible.”
These stories are not the final word, but a starting point for deeper understanding and reflection. We hope they inspire you as much as they’ve inspired us.
Thank you to everyone who shared their story and to all the organisations that supported this project. Your voices matter.
Also, special thanks to the Cardiff and Vale Area Planning Board for making this project possible.
