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PEER-REVIEWED

Original Study

| Published: December 28, 2021

Exploring the Experiences of an Online Peer Support Service: An Inward Approach

Sanjana Purdhani

Member, Research and Development Department, You’re Wonderful Project, New Delhi, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Anubha Jain

Member, Research and Development Department, You’re Wonderful Project, New Delhi, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Rashi Garg

Member, Research and Development Department, You’re Wonderful Project, New Delhi, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Shivangi Khattar

Head, Research and Development Department, You’re Wonderful Project, New Delhi, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Arushi Chatterjee

Head, Research and Development Department, You’re Wonderful Project, New Delhi, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Arlita Saha

Head, Peer Support Team, You’re Wonderful Project, New Delhi, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Shraddha Kumar

Member, Research and Development Department, You’re Wonderful Project, New Delhi, India Google Scholar More about the auther

, Akhilesh Nair

Founder, You’re Wonderful Project, New Delhi, India Google Scholar More about the auther

DIP: 18.01.169.20210904

DOI: 10.25215/0904.169

ABSTRACT

You’re Wonderful Project; is a student-run organization providing online peer support, working towards awareness and accessibility of mental health services. The present study aims at understanding the organizational model of the online peer support system through exploring the experiences of the team that works within the set-up. For this study, a qualitative design was used. An interview guide was developed consisting of open-ended questions to explore the experiences of the team. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data, across two timelines, to assess the various aspects for two groups of Support team members: 8 interviews were collected from Peer Support team members during Phase 1, while 10 interviews were collected from members during Phase 2. These individuals had worked for a minimum of 6 months in the team and had undergone training through psychologists about online peer support, and were currently working in the team. The data obtained was coded and subsequently analysed. The results indicated that although this was seen as an effective approach, especially because it provided anonymity, comfort and was free of cost, help-seekers are still gauging access to this service, or any kind of online counselling service. This study also identifies shortcomings and suggests future implications.

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Responding Author Information

Rashi Garg @ rnd.ywp@gmail.com

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Article Overview

ISSN 2348-5396

ISSN 2349-3429

18.01.169.20210904

10.25215/0904.169

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Published in   Volume 09, Issue 4, October- December, 2021