Connection reminds us that we are not alone and creates the conditions for shared learning and collective strength; this is the idea behind Ember’s Peer Circles. Community-led mental health innovators often face similar challenges, yet can feel alone when navigating them in isolation. This blog explores how simple spaces for peer connection - peer circles can foster solidarity, shared learning, and mutual support for organisations. 

The spirit of this Peer Circle was shaped by everyone who made it possible. Our thanks go to Lottie Kingslake, a UK-based animator and creative director, for beautifully capturing our Peer Circles through an illustrative flipbook; to Menah Raven-Ellison for creating a safe and caring space for people to connect and share; and to the participants, whose willingness to share their experiences and learn from one another brought the circle to life.

In 2024, Ember held an open call for our 2025-2026 partnership cohort. We received more than 1,800 applications from CLMHIs in 93 countries. We took this opportunity to deeply listen and endeavoured to interview each applicant who met our application criteria, leading to over 650 hours of conversation with 932 CLMHIs. This process gave us unprecedented insight into the landscape of CLMHIs globally; you can read more in our Insights Report. 

Through these interviews, and building on our ongoing work with partners, we saw a clear need for what we call "ecosystem support." When organisations operate in isolation, the people behind the organisations can feel unseen and alone in their challenges, as if they are the only ones navigating difficult terrain. Yet it is generally the case that many others are facing similar challenges.

Connection reminds us that we are not alone, and creates the conditions for shared learning and collective strength. This is why Ember believes in fostering connections between organisations and nurturing the wider ecosystem in which CLMHIs operate, rather than supporting them only in silo. Our first peer circle was shaped in response to this need.

Like the mycorrhizal networks connecting ecosystems beneath the ground we stand on, the peer circle aimed to foster relationships, peer connections, and spaces for shared learning. We started it because we saw, again and again, that CLMHIs were doing extraordinary work while often feeling professionally isolated. This first circle brought together five CLMHIs, all using art-based approaches to mental health care, to learn from one another's practice and experience. You can read more about the co-creation of the circle and hear directly from its members.

What we learnt confirmed our instincts and taught us a great deal more. The peer circle format supported a space of genuine connection, mutual care, and support. Participants spoke openly about their experiences, and found value in feeling heard, feeling held, feeling validated, as well as finding real practical value in hearing how peers facing similar constraints were problem-solving.  

"What I valued most about the Peer Circle was the opportunity to openly share our real-life problems, challenges, and sources of stress in a safe and supportive environment. Listening to others' experiences and realizing that we are not alone in facing difficulties was very comforting.” - A peer circle participant.

Participants chose to begin by discussing their own personal wellbeing before funnelling outward to organisational wellbeing and sustainability; to put their own oxygen masks on first before supporting others. Even so, the focus of the space remained one of collective care, in that personal reflections were held and processed together, as a shared starting point for thinking about the health and wellbeing of their organisations. 

The shared thread of art-based practice gave the group an immediate sense of common ground, while the facilitated structure created enough safety for honest, sometimes vulnerable, conversation. It became clear that these circles are not just a nice addition to our partnership model, but a meaningful form of support in their own right. 

“The group provided emotional support, understanding, and encouragement, which helped reduce stress and foster a sense of connection and belonging among participants.” - A Peer circle participant.

"It has helped me manage burnout and compassionate fatigue. Despite the disappointments from my team, I have learnt boundaries and how to separate myself from my work so that I show up a full version of myself each day." - A Peer circle participant.

Looking ahead, we plan to build on this foundation with further peer circles across our current investment cohorts, connecting CLMHIs around shared themes, geographies, or approaches to care. Participants from the previous peer circles were keen to stay part of this story, with several expressing interest in helping shape future circles as we grow this work. 

Thus, our aim is for future circles to be a co-creation between us, the facilitators, and the participants. We see these peer circles as a growing part of how Ember shows up for our partners: not only as a funder, but as a convenor and nurturer of the wider ecosystem CLMHIs are part of.  

Just as mycorrhizal networks quietly strengthen the forests above them, we hope these circles will continue to strengthen the connections between the people and organisations doing this vital work.