Abstract
<p>Introduction: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is common among youth and often serves social functions, yet most young people avoid formal services and turn to peers first. Walk With Me (WWM), a journey-based peer support programme in Singapore, pairs trained volunteers with youths who have or are at risk of NSSI. This study evaluated youth outcomes. Methods: Using a mixed-method, single-group, pre–post design, 36 youths (aged 15–25; 72% female) completed surveys before and after the programme. Eight outcomes spanning interpersonal and emotion-regulation domains were assessed, four theory-of-change pathways were tested and open-ended responses were analysed qualitatively. Results: All outcomes improved significantly from pre- to post-test, with medium to large effects; the largest gains were in emotion regulation and coping, and younger participants showed greater resilience gains. The four hypothesised change pathways were supported or partially supported; notably, encouragement to reach out predicted increased support-seeking. Youths rated their peer-supporter relationship highly, and qualitative accounts echoed these gains. Conclusion: WWM is linked to meaningful improvements in youths' social skills, support-seeking, communication, and emotion regulation, appearing to operate through a gradual peer relationship. As one of the first studies to test these mechanisms, it offers a promising foundation for rigorous evaluation.</p>