Peer Support Specialist Programme

The Peer Support Specialist Programme was launched in 2016 by the National Council of Social Service, with strong support from the Institute of Mental Health and mental health organisations. It is Singapore's first national training programme to prepare individuals for the role of Peer Support Specialists. The formal and structured training equips persons with mental health conditions with peer support skills to leverage their lived experience to support others on their recovery journeys.

Watch highlights of the Peer Support Specialist Programme, a competency-based training for individuals to leverage their lived experience to support others in their recovery from mental health conditions.


The programme comprises 2 training modules for persons in recovery interested to join the social service or healthcare sector as a Peer Support Specialist:

a) Preparatory Training for Potential Peer Support Specialist
This module introduces the role of a Peer Support Specialist, and the significance of sharing a lived experience in peer support work. The module consists of 16 hours of classroom training.

b) Certificate in Peer Support
This module equips these individuals with competencies to perform the role of a Peer Support Specialist. The module includes 80 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of practicum at a social service or healthcare agency.

Course is fully sponsored for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, with attendance requirements of 100%* and completion of all assessments.

*Learners who do not meet the 100% attendance requirements would need to provide a valid reason with supporting documents eg Medical Certificate. In such events, learners should not miss more than 25% of the course.

For more information, please visit Social Service Institute