The Peer Support program operates according to the philosophy that empathetic understanding of another’s situation based on shared experience can contribute to recovery and instill hope. Peer support is based on an understanding that the purpose of the relationship is to embark on a mutual learning experience about wellness, emotion and coping with life challenges. For example, Peer Support Workers may encourage client-members to:
- Sit with discomfort, rather than trying to control outcomes and situations to cope.
- Embrace uncertainty, rather than trying to manage or avoid situations.
- Explore possibilities, rather than trying to force solutions.
There is a confidence and connectedness in peer support that is not necessarily a part of other supportive relationships. The Peer Support program is a leader in promoting member engagement, and strengthens our client-members as we walk alongside them on their journey in recovery.
Components
RCS’s Peer Support Team offers:
- One-to-one informal counseling (e.g. sitting down and talking over a coffee);
- Regular social activities (e.g. Bingo) and group outings (e.g. trips to the ROM);
- Peer events throughout the year (e.g. campfires, karaoke);
- Wellness and recovery groups (e.g. Getting on With Life Challenges group, fitness and nutrition groups); and
- Member-led groups, which encourage client-members to build confidence by facilitating groups and workshops themselves.
Participation in the Peer Support program is optional and, in accordance with the recovery model, flexible – client-members decide the extent of their engagement with the Peer Support Team.
Referrals
Contact the Program Coordinator, Rhonda Skene, at (416) 703 – 9645 x. 233 or by email at rskene@regenerationcs.org