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. Still Here is a general mental health check-in style group.  No referral or ongoing commitment is needed. Just attend when you need to. All are welcome.

 SCHEDULE + GROUP INFORMATION:

CMHA PEI Still Here Charlottetown

Location: Charlottetown Office, 203 Fitzroy Street:

Monday’s – 11:30AM – 1:00PM

Wednesday’s – 6:00PM – 7:30PM

For more information, contact the group leader Ashley at (902) 628-3666 or by email at

[email protected]

CMHA PEI Still Here Montague

Location: Montague Office, 572 Main Street, Montague

Thursday’s – 11:30AM – 1:00PM

For more information contact Meghan Grant, or Allison Ritcey at (902) 838-2489.

CMHA PEI Still Here Summerside

Location: Summerside Office, 61 Duke Street, Summerside

Tuesday’s – 10:30AM – 12:00PM

For more information contact, Chad Barbour at our Summerside Office at (902) 436-7399

CMHA PEI Still Here Alberton

Location: West Prince Office, 1 College Street, Alberton

Wednesday’s – 10:30AM – 12:00PM

For more information contact, Alana Leard at our West Prince Office at (902) 214-2344

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.