Peer-Based Interventions for SRHR programmes

Peer-based interventions within SRHR programmes can be very effective. However, they require considerable investment and support to ensure their quality and should not be implemented as a ‘low cost’ solution or simply to demonstrate ‘youth involvement’.

It is important to consider appropriate content for peer-based interventions, ways to support their delivery and to ensure an enabling environment for implementation.

This guidance package aims to support programme staff to select the most appropriate peer-based intervention(s) based on the specific objectives and context of the programme. This guidance package encourages programmes to consider and select from a range of peer-based interventions for SRHR and to ensure that they are delivered to a consistently high standard.

Plan International has developed a series of three resources on peer-based interventions for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR):

1. Peer-based Interventions for SRHR: Management Summary

This document is a summary for senior management staff to better understand peer-based interventions; the benefits of including different types of peer-based interventions within SRHR programmes; and key issues to consider to ensure that these interventions promote quality, accountability and minimise risk or harm to young people.

2. Guidance on Peer-based Interventions for SRHR

This guidance provides a short, practical overview of the different types of peer-based interventions for SRHR work:

• Peer support
• Peer navigation
• Peer education
• Peer mentoring

It aims to support programme staff to select the most appropriate peer-based intervention(s) based on the specific objectives and context of the programme. Different types of peer-based interventions for SRHR work with different sized groups and provide support in different ways. Each intervention uses peers but the work they do is often different.

3. Peer-based Interventions for SRHR: ‘Do no harm’ Guidance

This document provides specific and practical guidance to strengthen our programming practice by minimising all possible risks associated with the design, content and delivery of peer-based interventions on SRHR. Discussions around SRHR involve topics that may be particularly sensitive and guidance ensuring that all young people in our programmes are protected, safe and not exposed to risks that may harm them is particularly important.”

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