Peer Support

WHAT IS PEER SUPPORT?

Peer support is the process of disclosing personal lived experience and recovery history to provide support, guidance, and inspire hope for others experiencing similar situations with their mental health.

CMHA-PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM

CMHA-PEI currently employs eight Peer Support Specialists who offer the following services:

• hosting peer support groups
• one-on-one sessions
• accompanying clients to appointments

WHY MEET WITH A PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST?

• they empathize with the struggle and emotional pain that may accompany a mental illness, and share their thoughts and insight on the path to recovery
• they provide support to clients through all program areas that CMHA offers such as advocacy, housing resources, suicide prevention, coping strategy, support groups etc…
• they can help bridge the gap between the client and the services that they need from CMHA, community mental health services and other agencies

GOALS OF PEER SUPPORT

• Inspiring hope, mental wellness, and self-determination
• Empowering peers through personal disclosure, and encouraging self-help
• Providing guidance through one-on-one and group talk
• Identifying needs, and facilitating community resources
• Advocating for accessibility to mental health services
• Promoting mental health for all Islanders

CMHA “STILL HERE” PEER SUPPORT GROUP

The Peer support group is intended to be a safe, open environment to support each other in coping with mental health challenges.  To adhere to public health restrictions, anyone interested in participating in the Still Here group is required to register in advance. This can be done through the Facebook or Instagram page or by emailing [email protected]. All are welcome.

 SCHEDULE + GROUP INFORMATION:

Every Monday 11:30-1:30 pm, Charlottetown

Every Wednesday 7-9 pm, Charlottetown

A general mental health check-in style group.  No referral or ongoing commitment needed. Just attend when you need to.

Contact: Provincial Peer Support Manager, Ashley Belanger-Birt, email [email protected], or Call (902) 628-3666

Still here, for anyone who has a mental illness, meets at the Canadian Mental Health Association, 572 Main St., Montague, 11:30 a.m. For more information call (902) 838-2489.

Specialized Peer Support Training

Peer Support is the process of disclosing personal experience with mental illness/ addictions and a personal recovery journey to inspire hope and recovery for others. CMHA PEI recognizes the need for formal training and support for peer workers to effectively do this meaningful work.

The Specialized Peer Support Worker Training is a 119-hour program that includes 2 weeks of in-person training, a practicum, and a written and oral exam. The training will equip individuals to use their personal experience to support others by providing specific education, tools, skills, and exposure. For more information and application click here.