The term peer support describes the process of mutual provision of knowledge, help and emotional empowerment among people who bear the same status, e.g. among students of beneficiaries of a certain service. The distinguishing characteristic of peer support is that the source of support is a peer that holds an equal status with the rest of the group members and is not in a superior or “expert” position. In fact, peer support is a methodology that can be applied in several contexts, most notably within the educational system or health settings with a common aim: the empowerment of the group by the group itself. 

In the educational context, peer support can take the following forms:

• Peer mentoring: an older students assumes the role of mentor for the younger ones.
• Peer listening: students are trained to active listening and effective communication within the school community.

In the health context, peer support has the following applications:

• In addiction care, where users try to overcome substance abuse.
• In disability settings, where people with disabilities provide support to each other. 
• In chronic illness and pain management, where patients can share the difficulties. 
• In trauma survivors.
• In anxiety and mood disorders, especially in the context of group therapy.

Peer support is a methodology that has mutual positive impact on both the supporters and the supported ones as these are roles which are constantly exchanged among the members of the peer support groups.