We are partnering with the Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety on a Virtual Peer Support Network (VPSN). You have access to a network of trained peer supporters who work in healthcare and are available to help. Peer supporters volunteer their time because they are dedicated to providing encouragement, support, and resources to colleagues when they need it most.

Research shows that trained peer supporters can help colleagues deal with difficult emotions that impact their well-being and work performance. The Betsy Lehman Center is a Massachusetts state agency that partners with hospitals and health systems to provide technical assistance and training so they can establish a peer support program tailored to their organization’s needs. The center also connects individual clinician and staff members in need of help with trained peer volunteers through a free, confidential statewide virtual support network. Please email them with any questions at Peer.Support@BetsyLehmanCenterMa.gov.

This is for everyone at CHA, regardless of your position.

VPSN Details

• You can choose a peer supporter from within the CHA community or from the VPSN.

• You will be matched with a peer supporter within 1-2 business days.

• You will be matched with someone in a similar role to yours. 

• All conversations are confidential.

• VPSN Peer Supporters are people who work in healthcare (like you), are trained in peer support techniques with the Betsy Lehman Center, and volunteer a supportive presence to colleagues across MA.  

• Peer support is for everyone at CHA. For those in clinical roles and administrative ones. Working in healthcare is demanding and stressful and events can happen anywhere that cause anxiety/stress/concern. Our trained Peer Supporters are waiting to help you process, provide a caring presence, and offer additional resources if needed.

• Peer support is not therapy. It is a caring presence, someone who understands your point of view and particular issues. Peer Supporters are trained to really listen, help you process events/emotions, and refer you to more resources as desired/needed.

Peer Support Program Leadership