Potentials and pitfalls of peer support: Experiences and recommendations for peer supported physical activity programmes for mental health service users

Volunteers with lived experience of mental health problems can play a valuable role in the delivery of physical activity interventions for mental health service users. However, research has under-explored individuals’ experiences of peer volunteering with mental health service users from the perspective of the peer volunteers (PVs). This study explored PV's experiences within a community-based physical activity programme for Mental Health Service Users. A secondary aim was to utilise these findings to develop recommendations for peer-supported physical activity programmes. Thirty-one PV's (15 male, 16 female, M age = 48 years, SD = 9.5 years) were recruited from local programme delivery sites across four regions in England (Midlands n = 10, London n = 5, North East n = 8 and North West n = 8). A hybrid approach of inductive and deductive thematic analysis, was adopted and themes generated from data. Four overarching themes representing PV's experiences of their role included: (i) Reciprocity – a two-way relationship, (ii) Commitment to Volunteering, (iii) Establishing Boundaries: necessary but challenging and (iv) Support Network for Peer Volunteers Results are discussed in the context of wider literature, and their implications for peer-supported physical activity programmes. Based on these findings, we developed a series of recommendations for the inclusion of PVs within physical activity programmes. Our recommendations highlight the incorporation of structured training that provides clear guidance on roles and responsibilities, while also addressing boundary maintenance. Additionally, we advocate for the provision of consistent and accessible support to PVs to ensure they can perform their roles effectively. This study highlights the valuable contribution of PVs in the delivery of peer supported physical activity programmes. We provide insights into their experiences of the challenges, and advantages of their role. We provide practical recommendations for the inclusion of PVs in peers supported physical activity programmes. • Peer volunteers with lived experience of mental illness can play a key role in delivering physical activity interventions. • Peer volunteers value reciprocity in their roles but face challenges with boundaries and often feel unsupported. • Our recommendations for peer-supported physical activity programmes include structured training and accessible support.