Welcome

🎯 Program Goals 

• Help individuals and families cope with difficult situations or illnesses

• Provide emotional and social support through shared experiences

• Offer practical strategies for daily living from people in similar circumstances

• Connect participants with peer supporters who understand their journey

🧠 Guiding Principles

According to the National Practice Guidelines, peer support is built on values such as:

• Voluntariness: Participation is always by choice

• Hopefulness: Peer supporters model recovery and resilience

• Empathy and Respect: Deep listening and nonjudgmental support

• Mutuality: Both parties benefit from the relationship

• Strengths-Focus: Emphasizing what’s working and building on it

👥 Program Structure

• One-on-One Support: Personalized sessions with a peer supporter

• Group Support: Facilitated discussions around shared topics or challenges

• Flexible vs. Guided Approach:

• Guided: Structured themes and goals

• Flexible: Open-ended conversations driven by participant needs

🧑‍⚕️ Who Are Peer Supporters?

Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) are individuals with lived experience of mental health or substance use challenges. They are trained to:

• Share their recovery journey

• Facilitate groups

• Provide mentorship and advocacy

• Help navigate systems and access resources