Mobilising peers behind bars: the importanc e of training and support
Peer programs in prison enable incarcerated people to support, mentor, or guide their fellow prisoners,
and have been associated with advantages for both peer workers, recipients and prisons. This xploratory study draws on data from 16 interviews with 21 participants, including program developers and academics, to explore how training and continuous support of peer workers in prison takes place. First, training of peer workers plays a foundational role to develop communication skills, program-specific knowledge and follow core principles. The human-centered attitude of trainers, as well as the integration of lived imprisonment experiences in the training, fosters trust and engagement among peer workers. Second, retention of peer workers relies on continuous support, including practical guidance and emotional wellbeing strategies from both professionals or volunteers from the outside and fellow peer workers. The study underscores the importance of robust support systems and offers insights for improving the design and implementation of peer programs in prison settings.