New Partnership Uses Peer Support to Transform Schizophrenia Care

A new partnership aims to improve care for people with schizophrenia through peer support. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) have joined forces to address gaps in treatment. Their first step is a white paper outlining how peer workers can make a difference in mental health services. The collaboration focuses on expanding peer support services, which help connect those in need with care. A white paper, now published, examines how these workers improve outcomes for schizophrenia patients. It also provides recommendations for healthcare leaders and policymakers to boost funding and simplify referrals.

Two pilot programs are in development to test new approaches. These will use predictive analytics to strengthen continuity of care. Early updates on the pilots are expected by 2027. The issue is urgent—one in five adults faces mental illness yearly, but less than half get proper treatment. Peer mentors, who make up over a third of social support interventions, play a key role in structured sharing and mutual aid. Case studies in the paper suggest that clearly defining their role and involving them early can increase service use. A session on peer support for serious mental illness will also take place at the NatCon conference on April 27. The discussion will highlight its importance in broader mental health care strategies.

The partnership's white paper and pilot programs aim to strengthen schizophrenia care through peer support. If successful, the initiatives could help close the gap between those needing treatment and those receiving it. Further updates on progress will arrive in early 2027.