Sign-Posting: A Key Peer Support Skill

One of the most practical tools in peer support is something called sign-posting – the process of pointing someone toward helpful resources, services, or next steps when their needs go beyond what peer support can offer alone.

Sign-posting involves:

• Recognizing when additional help might be useful.
• Knowing what types of resources are available.
• Offering those options in a clear, supportive, and low-pressure way.

The goal of sign-posting is not to “fix” the problem or assume we know what someone should do. Instead, it’s to open up pathways they may not have considered, helping them take the next step that works best for them.

When to consider sign-posting

There are a number of situations in which sign-posting can be useful, such as:

• The guy you’re helping is experiencing significant emotional distress or is in some state of crisis
• He talks about feeling hopeless or overwhelmed
• His challenges seem persistent and are affecting his daily life (e.g., sleep, work, relationships)
• He expresses interest in getting help or asks, “What should I do?”

Encourage without pressure

People are more open to suggestions when they feel respected and in charge of their own decisions. Sign-posting should feel like an invitation, not a directive or order.

Instead of: “You should talk to a therapist.”

Try: “Some people find talking to a therapist helpful. Would that be something you’d want to explore?”

Offering options rather than instructions empowers others to choose the path that feels right for them. You’re not telling him what to do — you’re showing him what’s out there.

Effective Sign-Posting

Recognize the Limits of Peer Support: While peer support can be powerful, it’s not a substitute for professional care. It’s okay to say:

“I really care about what you’re going through, and I want to be here for you. But I also think this might be something a professional could really help with.”

“It sounds like this has been getting really heavy, and I want you to know you’re not alone. There’s support out there that could really help. Would it be okay if I shared a few options with you?”

Be Specific: Vague suggestions like “get help” aren’t useful. Share a resource name, a website, or a next step. For example:

“HeadsUpGuys has some great tools that other men have found helpful—would you be open to checking it out?”

Offer Multiple Options: Not everyone is ready for therapy right away. Suggest a few different resources/help options.

• HeadsUpGuys Therapist Directory
• Peer support groups (e.g., The ManKind Project)
• Mental health apps (e.g., the Calm app)
• Crisis text lines (e.g., 9-8-8 in North America or 116 123 in the UK)
• Podcasts (e.g., The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast)
• Articles (e.g., HeadsUpGuys Articles & Stories)

Normalize the Process: Remind them that seeking support is not a sign of weakness. You could say:

• “A lot of people need extra support at some point. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
• “I’ve seen how helpful it can be to talk to someone trained in this kind of thing.”
• “Honestly, I didn’t think therapy was for me either, but it really helped me make sense of stuff.”
  

Respect his Readiness: Not everyone will be ready to act right away, and that’s okay. You can plant the seed by saying:

• “Totally okay if you’re not up for it now — I’m here whenever you want to talk about options.”
• “No pressure, it’s totally up to you. I just want you to know these options are out there, and I’m happy to help however I can.”

Common Questions You Might Encounter

Engaging in sign-posting can be an ongoing process, and the guy you’re helping will likely have questions along the way. Below are some common questions that might come up, with some tips on what you can say: