Training and Tools for Support Persons: A Transnational Study

This research aims to identify and analyze the training and tools of support persons, those who help people of all ages and with different backgrounds during a difficult period of their life. Attention was paid to support persons who help adults facing challenges (e.g., long-term unemployed, former convicts, those with substance abuse issues, etc.); new immigrants and refugees; children requiring additional assistance or special needs. This work is part of work package 2 of the European “Caring Compass” project, which involves organizations and associations from five countries: Italy, France, Estonia, Lithuania and Sweden. After following a preliminary study of the project and in particular of WP2, research was conducted on the training of support persons which led mainly to the analysis of the 2020 Global Standards issued by IASSW and IFSW. Subsequently, a questionnaire was administered along with interviews as a basis for the analyses carried out in this thesis. Through the analyses the training and tools used by support persons have been studied and ideas on how to overcome current gaps have emerged. It was found that tailored training and practical applications are necessary, that resource accessibility, peer support networks and stress management activities must be promoted. It also emerged that support persons need practical handbooks and tools. Finally, another aspect of no secondary importance is the level of satisfaction with their own work and the lack of appreciation of ordinary people towards them. It is therefore necessary to implement advocacy and awareness campaigns on these issues.