What is peer support?
Providing hope for recovery
Peer support programs work by offering people support, encouragement, and hope that recovery is possible. Peer support considers the wellness of the whole person and focuses on health and recovery rather than illness and disability, in order to assist people in finding their own path to recovery. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to peer support. It can take many different forms and be offered wherever people need it, whether in peer-run organizations, workplaces, schools, or healthcare settings. Peer support is intended to complement traditional clinical care and vice versa.
For more information on peer support refer to Mental Health Commission of Canada
Guiding standards of peer support
Peer supporters abide by the guiding standards of peer support. These include:
- Values of Peer Support
- Peer Support Values in Action
- Code of Conduct
- Principles of Practice
- Peer Supporter Competencies
For more information on the guiding standards of peer support refer to Support House
evolution of peer support
The evolution of peer support began in the 1960's and evolved immensely from grass roots organizations to the expansion of where it is today.
For more information on the evolution of peer support refer to PeerWorks.
What is peer support drift?
Peer support drift refers to a deviation in peer support practices away from peer support values and standards.
For more information on peer support drift refer to PeerWorks.
Peer support training and national certification
Lived Experience & Recovery Network
LERN offers a 15-hour brief introduction to peer support and a 30-hour core competencies in peer support training. This training is exclusive to LERN’s members. For more information contact: director@livedexperience.org
Peerworks
This training program has been developed in consultation with the subject experts: Consumer/Survivor Initiatives and Peer Support Organizations across Ontario. Its focus is on strengthening and nurturing what is at the core of peer support.
For more information on PeerWorks Peer Support Core Essentials Program, refer to: PeerWorks
Support House
The Peer Support Core Competencies (PSCC) training is a fundamental peer support worker training which consists of 32-hours (30 core hours with an optional 2-HOUR bonus Group Facilitation module) of live, facilitated training content.
For more information on support house’s PSCC Training, refer to Support House Training Programs
Peer Support Canada
Delivers customized training programs to equip peer supporters with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to make a positive difference in their communities. These custom training programs are based on the national standards for peer support practice and are reflective of the requirements for our National Peer Support Certification program.
For more information on Peer Support Canada’s training refer to their website
Peer Support Canada offers certification for Peer Supporters and Family Peer Supporters. Peer Support Certification is a confirmation of one’s knowledge, skills, and experience as a peer supporter. Certification verifies one’s alignment with the nationally endorsed Standard of Practice and is recognized across Canada.
For more information on national certification refer to their website