HELPING EACH OTHER THROUGH RECOVERY
Peer Mentoring motivates warriors by helping them develop one-on-one friendships with fellow warriors who are further along in the recovery process. Sometimes it's easier to discuss the readjustment process with someone who has already been down the same rocky road to recovery. Our certified peer mentors are excellent resources, listeners, and "hospital buddies" who motivate warriors through their own real life experiences.
Peer mentors are also available to visit with warriors' families, if requested, to serve as role models, helping them visualize what can be achieved through rehabilitation and hard work. In addition to our formal mentoring program, many of our programs offer opportunities for WWP alumni to meet, support, and inspire more recently injured warriors.
What do peer mentors do? Peer mentors perform a variety of functions, which may include:
What are the roles of a peer mentor? The following roles have been adapted from the Coast Guard's Mentoring Manual to give an idea of the scope of a peer mentor's work. During training, peer mentors learn skills and tips to facilitate each role based on where the individual being mentored is in the recovery process.
Supporter. The role of supporter requires the peer mentor to establish a lasting and open relationship with the individual being mentored. The peer mentor must stress confidentiality and show respect by listening carefully and attentively to the individual being mentored.
Role Model. In this role, the peer mentor is a living example of how to live through, and with, serious injuries. The individual being mentored will learn as s/he observes how the peer mentor handles situations or interacts with others.
Motivator. Peer mentors perform the role of motivator when there is a need to motivate an individual being mentored to complete a difficult task or pursue a goal. Through encouragement and support, peer mentors can motivate individuals to succeed.
Guide. Peer mentors act as guides by sharing their own wisdom and past mistakes, though good peer mentors know when to refer individuals being mentored to a knowledgeable source. As this role evolves, peer mentors being helping individuals being mentored to develop problem-solving skills and set realistic goals.
Become a peer mentor! The Peer Mentoring program is a recovery based program therefore we ask that all potential peer mentors are either warriors or caregivers themselves. If you are a warrior or caregiver interested in connecting with a peer mentor or becoming one yourself, contact the Peer Mentoring staff at battlebuddy@woundedwarriorproject.org. Please include your name, location, and phone number in your email, so that we can respond in a timely manner with the information you need.
