Peer to Peer Network at IPO

Now in its fourth year, the Peer to Peer network is a self-led support group in the office.  The group meet on a weekly basis welcoming all staff who would like the support of the confidential peer group.  Meetings are participant led and can be on a topic of personal importance or on wider more general issues.  It seeks to support staff who experience mental health issues from depression and anxiety to bereavement and eating disorders.  The informal arrangement of the meeting group encourages members to join as and when they feel it would be beneficial.  The group is complimented by some of its members being Mental Health Advocates and having the support of the Staff Counsellors.

Things we’re most proud of this year

• Bring and Share Christmas buffet and hosting group meals with our London colleagues
• Sharing experience and offering guidance to ONS colleagues wishing to set up a similar network.  The two groups are now working together to plan cross site activities.
• Supported other IPO networks offering advice and participated in Diversity and Inclusion Marketplace events.
• Attended regional MIND events offering our experience and sharing successes.
• Continuing the weekly meetings using Teams while all colleagues working from home during Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring the group support is a consistent offering to staff at a most difficult time.

Things we’ll concentrate on next year

• Plan more cross site opportunities with ONS colleagues
• Develop the Peer to Peer Teams site providing colleagues with a useful resource toolkit
• Continue to offer the Peer to Peer group support remotely throughout the Covid-19 pandemic