Luke Stewart

• BSc (Hons) Psychology with Professional Placement
• Café Community: A qualitative investigation of a unique peer-support group

Peer-support groups have the potential to empower and give hope to marginalised individuals and those suffering from mental health issues. This qualitative research project explored various topics with a peer-support group for adults based in a café. It aimed to research any characteristics/factors of significance within the unique community group and explore the participants’ ideas for developing it.  Two one-hour discussion sessions using various qualitative thinking skills tools revealed, after qualitative analysis, that ‘Friendship’, ‘Shared Experience/Learning’, and ‘Judgement-free Support’ were all significant characteristics/factors that helped the group function effectively as a support group. ‘Table Cards’ were also regarded as a significant and ingenious tool to ease communication between group members who may be struggling with anxiety. Discussion emerged around possible developments of the layout, activities and policies of the group which could lead to its growth or the creation of similar groups in the future.     

Funding source: Newcastle University

Project supervisor: Dr Jill Clark