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Interchange: Peer Support

(Yorkshire & the Humber Support and Development Organisations Alliance)

Involve Yorkshire & Humber co-odinates Interchange, a peer support programme for Chief Officers of local support and development organisations who are members of the Alliance.

Leading an organisation can be a lonely place - sometimes we all need the security of being able to pick up the phone to talk through a problem or would welcome the opportunity to buddy up with anothe chief officer over a longer period of time. The Alliance Peer Support programme is the answer.

What is the peer support scheme?

All Alliance members (chief officer level) can sign up to confirm that they are willing to provide support to a colleague. We then maintain a  register of peer supporters which Alliance members can access at any time.  We have information about the types of support each peer supporter can offer - for example specialist support around merger and collaboration or working with the local health service. 

What might peer support involve?

Peer support can be flexible to fit in with the level of support you need. Sometimes you may just want to talk through a problem on the phone, or perhaps seek advice on how to approach a particular issue - sometimes it might be a shoulder to cry on. Supporter and supportee agree between them what form the support will take.

Will Involve Yorkshire & Humber be involved?

We will always be happy to introduce you to a potential supporter but it will also be possible for you to identify the most appropriate person from the list and make contact yourself - whatever works best for you. We would welcome a quick note if you use the programme just so that we know how well it's worked - and that it's a useful support.

Support for new chief officers

As well as the peer support programme we also run an extended programme for new chief officers within the Alliance. Whether you are new to the sector, new to Yorkshire and the Humber or just new to your organisation (or maybe none of the above) it's often useful to have peer support to help you on you way. A number of chief officers in the Alliance are happy to provide support to new chief officers and Involve Yorkshire & Humber will happily arrange an introduction for you.

Need support?

If you would like to access support through the scheme or more information please email Ruth Beattie or telephone 0113 394 2300.