‘A peer can show there’s hope’
Growing numbers of young people with complex mental health problems are trapped in a vicious circle of despair. This seriously affects their future because they drop out of school, self-harm or, in the most extreme cases, die by suicide. Dr Laura Nooteboom and her team are researching how young experts by experience can help support their peers.
Donate and give hope to young people with mental health problems.
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You can leave our website to view this video.‘Young people with complex mental health problems often feel unseen or unheard, even when they do receive help,’ says Laura Nooteboom, lead researcher at LUMC Curium. ‘Previous research by psychologist Carolijn de Beer has shown that it can help if the expert by experience is a peer who can discuss their own experiences.’
‘Peer support specialists can attend appointments and bridge the gap between the therapist and the young person. They can also tell their own recovery story. Their being able to offer hope is important. With your support we can make professional use of and support young experts by experience. We are doing so in collaboration with multiple institutions and are assessing the results, so we can reach young people who have hit rock bottom.’
Your donation is essential. By donating, you are investing in research to improve the support people receive and create a brighter future for young people who have hit rock bottom. Donate online or by bank transfer to: Account name: Leids Universiteits Fonds. Account number: NL20 RABO 0330 1371 58. Reference: ‘Mental health’.