Best practice is generally defined as the methods that consistently produce results consistently superior to those achieved with other means. Using our Framework offers a guide to setting up and running peer support, whether this is a face to face community group, an on-line group or one conducted through social media. It also aims to help people new to the concepts of peer support to avoid some of the pitfalls and to find ways to ensure their group continues. It is not meant to take away individual creativity. After all, what makes peer support work for members is that every group has its own identity.
This framework was written with several different audiences in mind. One audience is an organisation, generally a ?not for profit? that provides peer support as one of its services to its clients. Another audience is stand-alone peer support groups, usually incorporated associations based in their local communities and established by members of the community who have perceived a need for support for a particular condition or illness. They may or may not have some affiliations with larger organisations.