This is a STAR CHART (see link below) from Mary O'Hagan's website at Peer Zone to be a wonderful
communication tool and overview about the different areas that a Peer Support Specialist focuses
their attention and energies as they help others move forward in their recovery. You could
use this tool to assess the levels of support needed in any area and get a score in each area. Possibly
using a scale from 1 to 5 such as:
1-Nothing 2-Beginning stages 3-Needs enhancing 4-Moving Forward 5-Fully utilizing
These are the kinds of questions that you might ask to determine what the needs are and where they are greatest
from each point along the star:
SELF-ESTEEM (Person-Centered Planning & Mental Health Needs): Would you like support in getting a
better understanding of your hopes, dreams, strengths and abilities? Would you like assistance in
identifying the most effective mental health and substance abuse supports available to you?
(Score: At what level do you now have these supports in place?)
ENJOYMENT (Meaningful Activity Needs): Would you like assistance in identifying and accessing
enriching activities and opportunities for enjoyment? (Score: At what level do you have these
supports in place?)
PERSONAL MEANING (Spiritual Needs): Would you like support in developing a greater sense of
meaning, purpose and hope? (Score: At what level do you have these supports in place?)
CONTROL OVER LIFE (Self-Advocacy & Legal Service Needs): Would you like assistance with
increasing your ability to communicate your needs and advice in removing the barriers that keep
you from achieving your recovery goals? (Score: At what level do you have these supports in place?)
PHYSICAL WELL-BEING (Health & Wellness; Stress Management; Relapse Prevention; Personal
Crisis Planning): Would you like support in achieving better health and wellness; reducing stress;
avoiding crisis and preventing relapse? (Score: At what level do you have these supports in place?)
CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS (Family Relationship Needs): Would you like support with getting in contact
with, enhancing or re-structuring your family relationships to assist you in your recovery? (Score: At what level
do you have these supports in place?)
COMMUNITY BELONGING (Community Involvement Needs): Would you like assistance in expanding
your life experiences in the community and accessing opportunities for enrichment and meaning consistent
with your recovery goals? (Score: At what level do you have these supports in place?)
SUPPORT FROM OTHERS (Social Relationship Needs): Would you like support in improving your social
relationships to have a positive impact on your life and recovery? (Score: At what level do you have these
supports in place?)
CONTRIBUTION TO OTHERS (Employment & Volunteer Needs): Would you like assistance in gaining
meaningful employment or having opportunities to contribute to the lives of others in a positive way?
(Score: At what level do you have these supports in place?)
INCOME (Financial Stability Needs): Would you like assistance in getting financial knowledge to get greater
control over your financial resources? (Score: At what level do you have these supports in place?)
HOUSING (Residential Needs): Would you like assistance in securing and maintaining safe, secure and
affordable housing that are consistent with your recovery goals? (Score: At what level do you have these
supports in place?)
SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT (Educational & Life Skill Development Needs): Would you like support with
increasing your learning opportunities for both employment and enrichment? (Score: At what level do
you have these supports in place?)
I hope you find this tool helpful for better assessment of the needs of the individuals that you daily
support and as a creative tool for communication and prioritization of Peer Support activities in the field.
Copy of Peer Zone Star Chart
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