Parent-carer experiences using a peer support network: a qualitative study.

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Disability Studies
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Parent-carers of children and young people (CYP) with mental health problems face increased risks of poor physical and mental health outcomes.
• Peer interventions show promise in improving outcomes for parent-carers of CYP with disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate parent-carer experiences with Parental Minds (PM), a multi-component peer support service.
• To explore the perceived benefits, disadvantages, and behavior change mechanisms of the PM service.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with 12 service-users and 4 staff/volunteers.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts.
• Participants were predominantly white females, with one male service-user.

Main Results:

• Three main themes and eight subthemes emerged from the analysis.
• PM enhanced parent-carer self-efficacy and agency through affirmation and prioritization.
• The service facilitated a support network, improved access to external services, and provided proactive, consistent advice.

Conclusions:

• Parental Minds (PM) is a beneficial multi-component peer support service that increases parenting self-efficacy and empowerment.
• The service effectively reduces isolation, improves service access, and offers tailored, holistic support.
• Findings will inform a future study on PM's effectiveness in improving parent-carer outcomes.