Peer education and advocacy through recreation and leadership.

Abstract

Peer Education and Advocacy through Recreation and Leadership (PEARL) is an intervention based on principles of peer helping and psychosocial rehabilitation. Trained peers working as recreation advocates provided support to peers in psychosocial rehabilitation settings. Advocates promoted peer involvement in recreation and community activities as a strategy to enhance social support, independence, community inclusion, and quality of life. Evaluation findings indicate positive impacts on quality of life, empowerment, employment and educational preparedness among advocates. Outcomes of the PEARL project included developing a peer training curriculum, expanded leadership roles for participants, and improved quality of recreation services available within psychosocial rehabilitation programs.