Behind the scenes: how we set up Peer Supporter Training Week

A few weeks ago Tim asked whether the network could host a proper training programme for new peer supporters, not just a single call. Peer Supporter Training Week is the result. I want to share how it's put together, partly for transparency and partly because a few of you in UNA Builders asked.

The structure

• One event page for the whole week, with all five sessions in the description, so people see the full commitment before they sign up.
• Video calls for each session, linked from the event page and visible only to people who have joined.
• A private discussion area where participants can ask questions between sessions and share the short exercises Tim sets.
• Recordings available to participants only and deleted after a month. Some sessions involve role play, and people need to feel safe making mistakes.

What we're doing differently

We've capped the group at twenty so everyone gets time to speak. We also ask two short questions when people sign up, mainly so Tim and the peer moderators know who's coming from the Patient Support Network and who's coming from Caregivers Connect.

Everyone who completes the week gets a peer supporter badge on their profile. It's a small thing, but it helps members see who has done the training.

If anything on the event page doesn't work for you, especially on mobile, tell me here and I'll fix it before the first session.