Peer Connector

What is the Peer Connector Service?

The Peer Connector Service is funded by the Health and Growth Accelerator, an NHS programme which supports young people aged 16-24 in South Yorkshire to succeed in work or education.

step one

Meet your
Peer Connector

step two

Set your own wellbeing goals with our help

step three

Gain access to other activities and wellbeing support

step four

We’ll offer ongoing support and check-ins that suit you

How can a Peer Connector help you?

A Peer Connector will get to know you, talk to you about your personal goals, help you access other activities and opportunities and provide ongoing support and advice.

Our support aims to help you overcome health and wellbeing barriers (such as neurodiversity, low mood or anxiety) and access services designed to boost your mental and physical health, build confidence, and help you to remain in, or find, employment or training/education.

Who are the Peer Connectors?

Barnsley

Corey Quinn

corey.quinn@chilypep.org.uk
Tel: 01226 213123
Mobile: 07511 600367

Doncaster

Katy Ryalls

Katy@peoplefocusedgroup.co.uk
M: 07858 642561
T: 01302 578629

Sheffield

Door.43@sheffieldfutures.org.uk

Rotherham

George Harris

peerconnector@rushhouse.co.uk
Tel: 07552 495634

Jenny Clark

peerconnector@rushhouse.co.uk

To get support or find out more, contact a Peer Connector in your area.

Specialised neurodiversity support

The Positive Futures programme is for people aged 16-24 living in South Yorkshire who feel they are neurodivergent (you don’t need a diagnosis). If you relate to any of the following, this program could be for you:

You have missed some school or education.
You have missed some work or job training.
You are finding it hard to get into education or work.

To register support, please contact:

employmentsupport@autismplus.co.uk on 0114 3840300 or complete the referral form on the link below.

CLICK HERE to access the referral form for this programme.

This programme is a partnership programme between Autism Plus and Speakup / Employment is for Everyone. For more information, visit Positive Futures – Autism Plus SES.

What Does the Programme Offer?
The programme offers a range of support to help you. This includes:

My Work Plan – A plan to help with your goals.
A Day in the Life of – Learn what different jobs or work might be like.
One-to-One Employment Support – Help with finding and keeping a job.
Action Planning – Step-by-step plans to help you reach your goals.
Confidence Building – Activities to help you feel more confident.
Travel Training – Support with learning how to travel safely.
Social Opportunities – Help to meet new people and join social activities.
Other Support – Help that is just for you, based on what you need.

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions about this project:

Positive Futures – FAQ

Sign up now

Need more info on the sign up process as a lot of feedback mentioned they currently have to email for a sign up form and then once they have received it they fill it in then have to send it back.

Peer Connector Service

You will get the support you need, at your own pace.
Someone will be there to help you, but the choices are yours.
It’s about what you want and what works for you.

With you, your way.

Activities and Support

Kooth provides 365 & 24/7 access to online, digital Early Help and Prevention to CYP aged 10-25 across South Yorkshire.

Online mental health and wellbeing service. Provides instant access to self-help materials, moderated discussion forums and self-hep tools. Users can also access drop-in or booked sessions with wellbeing practitioners and counsellors.

A nature-based personal development programme for young people aged 16–24 who self-report or diagnosed low to moderate anxiety or depression who have high levels of absenteeism within education, training or employment.

A social enterprise that supports vulnerable young people and adults to improve their mental wellbeing through guided music provision. The service offers person-centred, facilitated music sessions exploring a range of skills in music performance and production to reduce stress, build social connections and gain new skills. Both 1-to-1 sessions and group sessions are encouraged, leading up to quarterly showcase events.

A social prescribing service that offers two clear and flexible pathways designed to improve confidence, wellbeing, and employability; a Digital & Media Pathway and a Creative Textiles & Design Pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I access the Peer Connector Service?

Speak to your college tutor or youth hub coach to be referred to the service. Alternatively, you can self-refer yourself by contacting a peer connector in your area. Contact details for the Peer Connectors can be found on this website.

Am I eligible for the Peer Connector Service?

The service has been designed to support people living in South Yorkshire aged 16-24 who have faced barriers to remaining in work or education or entering the workplace due to experiencing depression and anxiety, including those with neurodiverse needs. If you would like to self-refer to the service, a Peer Connector will speak with you to check whether this is the correct service to support your needs.

Would I meet with my Peer Connector face to face?

It would be helpful to meet in-person with your Peer Connector at least once to help them get to know you and to work through any paperwork with you. However, they can speak to you over the phone or by email initially, and can keep in touch with you however you feel comfortable.

Can I choose my Peer Connector?

You will be connected with a Peer Connector when you are referred to the service, and this will depend on the area you live in. Some areas may only have one Peer Connector available. Where there is more than one, you may be able to change to a different person if there are specific reasons why your original Peer Connector was unsuitable.

How often will my Peer Connector keep in touch with me?

Your Peer Connector will usually aim to get in touch with you weekly but can speak with you to find out what you’re comfortable with.

Do I need to pay for the Peer Connector Service?

No, this support is fully funded by the NHS through the Health and Growth Accelerator programme.

How long will the support last?

That will be led by you and your needs. Your Peer Connector will stay in touch for around 12 weeks, although this is flexible and some people may need more or less time than this. In that time, we will work with you to find out what your goals are and connect you with support and activities that may help you to achieve those goals.

Can my Peer Connector come with me to a new group?

Yes, your Peer Connector can come along with you if you are starting a new activity and would like someone to accompany you. There may be times when this isn’t possible but Peer Connectors will try to make sure that you have the support you need.