Creating Peer Support Groups (CAL126, S6, E20)

Changing Academic Life

If you are curious about how to set up your own peer support group, inspired by what Johanna Stadlbauer shared about what Uni Graz are doing, then this episode might get you started. I walk through some of the ‘things to think about’ when setting up peer groups such as the group’s purpose, the focus, and who that would involve, also the group size, meeting frequency and commitment, and choosing between structured or informal formats and related roles. I then walk through two examples of more structured formats: action learning sets which take more of a coaching approach, and peer mentoring models that take more of a consulting or advising approach. I also give some examples of more informal peer groups. Regardless of approach, good listening, confidentiality and a commitment to genuine participation are key. I also refer to some resources and links for further reading and more detailed overview of steps, as well as some related podcasts. Whether you're looking for mutual support, expert guidance, or simply a sense of belonging, there's a group format that can work for you. Give it a try!

00:00 CAL126 Exploring Peer Group Support Models

00:29 Introduction

01:36 Purpose

03:03 Focus

05:03 How Many

06:17 How Often

07:45 Format

08:24 Roles

09:44 Critical Ingredients

11:38 Walking Through Some Examples

12:35 Example: Peer Coaching Groups - Action Learning Set

20:39 Example: Peer Mentoring Groups

25:04 Example: Informal Peer Support Groups

28:23 Recap

30:07 Do What Works for You - Suggestions

33:07 Closing Call and Pointers

36:36 End

Related Links

Action Learning Sets guidance by Caroline Doherty via the UK NHS Action Learning Sets page

Action Learning Sets at Uni of St Andrews as example in an academic context

Graz Call for participation in their Collegial Development Programme

Kollegiale Beratung in sechs Phasen (Collegial Advising in 6 Phases)

Descriptive Consultancy with protocol description

Balint Group Method

The No Club book and No Club Guidance

Related Podcasts

Michael Bungay Stanier on the power of curiosity and taming your advice monster

Asking good questions, empowering good people (Solo 'Related Work' episode)

Oscar Trimboli (Part 1) on being better listeners

Oscar Trimboli (Part 2) on how to listen deeply

Johanna Stadlbauer on boundaries, agency and community building