title: The companion project: Recovery among volunteer peer support providers in South Korea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article explores the benefits of recovery among volunteer peer providers who participated in The Companion Project-the first peer-delivered mental health services project in South Korea.
  
  
  METHODS
  The effect of the program on the recovery and symptoms of peer providers (N = 31) was quantitatively analyzed using a nonequivalent control group design. A subset of 12 participants was interviewed on the perceived recovery benefits.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results of the statistical analysis indicated that peer support activities affected the recovery and symptoms of peer providers. Through in-depth interviews, the following themes were identified: self-awareness and redefinition, growth through participation and role-taking, and new potential and hope.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Peer providers experienced the benefits of recovery through relationships with peers and meaningful roles. These results contribute to an expansion of peer support in Korea and the development of new jobs for people with psychiatric disabilities.
authors: Ajou University.
authors: Kyunghee
authors: K
authors: Ha
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010379:Peer Group; D000067250:Psychiatric Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012944:Social Support; D014838:Volunteers