What is it really like to be a part of our Support Calls program?
“I was able to fully open up about things that were bothering me and I was dealing with in silence for so long.”
— Isaiah, a Support Calls participant
Support Calls are how HeartSupport does peer mentorship for the long game, facilitating relationships that are able to transcend the space of a concert or a song. In these unique one-on-one pairings, our program staff trains peer mentors who are then matched with someone who is going through difficulties and could use a little extra support.
But what is it like to actually be in one of these longterm peer support relationships? According to Isaiah, who has been participating for 10 months, the impact is life-changing.
"We’ve had many deep and meaningful discussions. I feel very comfortable talking about touchy subjects I used to not want to explore,” he explains. “I was able to fully open up about things that were bothering me that I was dealing with in silence for so long.”
He’s been meeting with his trained peer mentor weekly via Discord calls, as do each of our Support Call pairings. The relationship that has been forged is deep and lasting. Isaiah is demonstrating in real time what we already know from the data: this peer mental health support program is working.
As HeartSupport focused on growing to 65 active Support Call pairs in 2025, we were able to track how well it was working. Recipients of support calls demonstrated a 17% increase in self-efficacy. That means they have a clinically significant ability to manage their own mental health and difficult emotions and situations with confidence and decisiveness, knowing what to do when tough times happen.
That’s exactly what we’ve heard from monthly check-ins with Isaiah.
"My supporter has been an awesome support and friend,” he says.
He’s far from the only one who feels that way. Because we custom-match pairs based on experiences and even music preference, often supportive peers find themselves in relationships that expand beyond what we could facilitate or dream.
Isaiah is far from the only one being so deeply impacted. Here are what a few others who have been in the Support Calls program have said:
“Meetings with my peer support has helped me see things differently and be grateful for what I have and who I am right now. I feel heard and that someone gets me. ”
“My supporter always listens and gives me insight into what I’m going through from a nonjudgmental standpoint. I feel like he’s there for me, and that helps me feel less alone.”
But the impact doesn’t end there. Most people who have survived something challenging in their life genuinely want to give back by helping someone else do the same thing. Support Calls offer peer mentors the chance to do that.
With gentle, evidence-based training, anyone can be equipped to show up for someone who might need a friend.
“It has been nice in this role to provide guidance through experience. Also, just to hold space for someone is so impactful. I think where I have personally grown is in learning. Learning to be a better mentor and learning to appreciate my own journey. ”
Are you in need of some steady additional weekly support? Start the process of getting matched with a supporter today!
