This article describes a Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) programme designed
to assist young people in their adjustment to life with a chronic medical
condition. The ChIPS programme takes a non-categorical approach to
participation, recognizing that young people with different medical conditions
experience many similar concerns. Support groups are facilitated by a health
professional and peer co-leader. Groups meet weekly for 8 weeks and typically
include between six and eight young people. Young people can choose to remain
involved in broader social, educational and recreational activities following
completion of the 8-week programme. We discuss nine psychosocial mechanisms by
which peer support groups such as ChIPS might act to improve resilience and
well-being among participants. We also discuss some theoretical risks in running
support groups for chronically ill young people, which emphasize the importance
of training and support of group leaders, including the peer co-leaders. The
article concludes with a personal testimony by a ChIPS participant that was
prepared for the 2003 Australian and New Zealand Adolescent Health Conference.
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