Description
Conference: Mind the Gap: Tackling Mental Health Inequalities, Ulster University Coleraine, 29 May 2025This poster presentation examined how an online, community-based, peer-led initiative provides round-the-clock mental health support for people living with Type 1 Diabetes. The research combined NHS England Principles of Good Peer Support with the THRIVE framework to analyse the NIDoc WhatsApp group, a free-to-access, self-moderating peer support comprising individuals navigating this chronic condition's complexities alone.
Qualitative contextual analysis of group messages identified key support themes aligned with the Mental Health Strategy's emphasis on early intervention and prevention. High question volume indicated significant knowledge gaps despite clinical care. Evening and weekend activity revealed the variety of unmet support needs outside clinical hours. Response speed demonstrated a community bridging critical gaps in traditional healthcare delivery. Mental health burdens of Type 1 Diabetes were evidenced in emotionally supportive responses, with patterns showing authentic connection through digital format.
Analysis revealed that community signposting included education opportunities provided by healthcare organisations, access to published diabetes education resources, interactive learning sessions with healthcare professionals, and support materials for self-efficacy and self-advocacy. Members reported reduced loneliness, anxiety, hopelessness, despair, shame, and stigma.
The research demonstrates how peer support addresses mental health inequalities by providing immediate, accessible support when formal healthcare cannot; reducing isolation, shame and stigma through community connection; building self-efficacy and advocacy skills through shared experience; creating a sustainable, cost-effective model requiring minimal resources; offering a replicable approach for other chronic conditions; centring lived experience in mental health support; and using digital platforms to remove geographical barriers.
This work directly connects to my PhD research themes on community resilience filling healthcare service gaps , addressing invisible populations in health surveillance, and the importance of peer support networks in chronic disease management.
| Period | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Held at | PHA, Northern Ireland |