Amplifier peer group model

The Amplifier peer group model

The Amplifier is a peer group model that supports mental wellbeing. It is a free and adaptable suggestion for a work-readiness group process that can be used by anyone. The Strengthener is designed to promote mental wellbeing, strengthen resources and address stress in a preventive way.

The Reinforcer peer group model has been developed to support people to cope at work by thinking together and relying on the support of their peers. The process is pre-planned and the model guides the process from start to finish. It is not a therapy, nor is it intended for crisis resolution or the treatment of mental health problems.

In what situations can the Amplifier be used?

The reinforcer peer group model can be implemented in different professional groups. The low-threshold model guides the group through themes, questions and tasks.

The booster can be self-directed or organised as a group by an organisation.

A self-directed group needs a convener, but is otherwise responsible for organising itself as a group. In an organisation-organised group, someone is responsible for running the group: organising a time, space and possibly a professional to facilitate the group meetings.

The group can be 1) peer-led, without a designated facilitator, 2) peer-led, or 3) led by a professional, such as a job counsellor or coach.

A booster group can organise:

Employed and unemployed in the sector

Working groups and working communities

Collectives and communities

Organisations

Seurat

Associations

Trade unions

Grant foundations supporting the work of professional artists

Occupational pension insurance companies

Who can organise a Reinforcer group?

Employed and unemployed in the sector
Working groups and working communities
Collectives and communities
Organisations
Seurat
Associations
Trade unions
Grant-making foundations supporting artists’ work
Occupational pension insurance companies

Can there be a cost to organise the Amplifier?

In principle, the Vahvistin peer group activities are free of charge for participants. The possible costs of organising the Amplifier will depend on the way the groups meet.

Possible costs for the organisers may include:

Rental of premises
Working time of the organiser
Group leader’s fee
Catering
Communication and marketing

Download the Amplifier marketing material

See below to find out how to get started in organising a Confirmation group.

See here

The Vahvistin peer group model has been developed in the Mental Health Toolkit project coordinated by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Support for the deployment of the Amplifier

The follow-up project on the Mental Health Toolkit will disseminate and embed the Vahvistin model to actors and communities in the arts, culture and events sector. Together with the Occupational Health Institute, the Federation of Musicians and the Arts Promotion Centre, Teme will support the implementation of the Amplifier until the end of 2025. In the Help to Start service, the group will be supported by a mentor who will be involved throughout the peer group process.

If you need support or sparring to organise a group of Strengtheners, you can send a message to mielenterveyden.tyokalupakki@ttl.fi.

You can contact,

if you would like free help in organising a Watchdog peer group.

We offer introductions to the peer group model (remote or face-to-face) and support in using the model (1-3 remote or face-to-face meetings), where we introduce you to the model, help you with practical arrangements and getting started, and help you evaluate the success and benefits of the group after it has ended.

you want a free Amplifier Card Pack.

you are thinking about anything related to the Vahvistin peer group model or you want to give feedback.

want to share your experience of organising a peer support group.

you want a free Amplifier Card Pack.

Backround of the Amplifier peer group model

As a result of the culture sub-project of the Mental Health Toolkit project of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, which started in autumn 2023, the Vahvistin peer group model was born. Teme’s role in the development of the Vahvistin model and as a partner in the sub-project alongside the Institute of Occupational Health, the Arts Promotion Centre, the Musicians’ Union and Cupore has been significant.

The key element of the project was the implementation of 25 guided coaching and peer groups to support freelancers’ mental wellbeing. During 2024, 200 self-employed and freelancers in the arts, culture and events sectors were reached. Teme’s experts were involved in both the design and implementation of the groups.

Comparing the results of the pre- and post-group surveys, it was found that the respondents’ work ability, several measures of ability and energy at work all improved during the groups. Peer support helped them to reflect on their own situation and provided an opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. Their professional identity and appreciation of their own skills were strengthened and the group provided an opportunity to look at the arts as part of the fabric of society.

You can find the research report on coaching groups below if you want to read more about the effectiveness of the Booster.