Peer support is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Supporter has lived through that similar experience, and is trained to support others.
Over the past few months, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) was faced with the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming National Conference on Peer Support (NCPS)originally scheduled for June of 2020.
We have continued to consult with domestic health authorities and monitor the situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and its impact on our conference plans and timing.
The next National Conference on Peer Support is being tentatively re-scheduled for 2022.
As official recommendations regarding major events and gatherings are updated, we will continue to consider and communicate any changes to our plans and/or agenda.
The health of our peer supporters, employees and volunteers is a key priority and we promise to be responsible and transparent as this situation progresses. Please stay tuned.
For more tips and information on how to support and protect your mental health during the pandemic, please follow Peer Support Canada on social media at facebook.com/PeerSupportCanada and twitter.com/PeerSupportCAN
Peer support is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Supporter has lived through that similar experience, and is trained to support others.
Peer Support Canada also offers certification for Peer Supporters, Family Peer Supporters, and for Peer Support Mentors. 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.
The Standards of Practice for mental health peer supporters were developed in consultation with peer supporters from across the country and endorsed by peer leaders representing interests nationwide. The national Standards of Practice consist of the knowledge, competencies, experience, and code of conduct requirements to effectively provide peer support services with due care and skill in a variety of settings.
Recognizing CMHA as a strong national partner with the infrastructure, resources and reach to truly make peer support grow, the Board of Directors of Peer Support Canada has transferred operations to CMHA.
Both of our organizations have shared core values around hope, recovery and the power of peer support. As a nation-wide leader for community mental health, CMHA, with its policy and advocacy reach, is in a unique position to advance the principles of peer support, and advocate for increased access to peer support across the country.
We are committed to preserving the independence of the certification process. The Certification of Peer Supporters, Family Peer Supporters, and Peer Support Mentors will not change. Our Certification Committee will continue to be an independent, peer-run body, serving as the guardian of the certification process. Peer Support Canada will maintain its own identify, including our name and website.
We look forward to building on the strengths and resources of both CMHA and Peer Support Canada as we work to accelerate the growth of peer support across Canada.
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In 2010, the Mental Health Commission of Canada and its Workforce Advisory Committee (WAC) identified an opportunity to transform the mental health system in Canada through the integration and promotion of peer support. Peer Support (Accreditation and Certification) Canada was created into carry on the work started by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, promoting the growth, recognition, and accessibility of peer support.
The organization developed a robust certification process for Peer Supporters and Family Peer Supporters, grounded in the
We gratefully acknowledge the Peer Support Canada Board of Directors for their vision, leadership, and bold thinking in both founding the organization, and in orchestrating the integration with CMHA. It is their commitment to peer support that will allow for the acceleration of peer support across Canada.
This team of experienced peer supporters assess the knowledge of Certification applicants, make recommendations for Certification, and provide expert guidance.
Angela Betts
Debbie Sesula
Debbie Wiebe
Deborrah Sherman
Fiona Wilson
Kristine Quaid
Pamela Spurvey
Tom Kelly
Tracey Mitchell
Our certified peer support mentors are matched with certification applicants, providing guidance and feedback throughout the practicum.
Allison Dunning
Andy Cox
Debbie Sesula
Debbie Wiebe
Deborrah Sherman
Fiona Wilson
Karen Henze
Keely Phillips
Kim Dixon
Kristine Quaid
Pamela Spurvey
Tom Kelly
Tracey Mitchell
Candidates:
Angela Betts
Gail Taylor
Heather Megchelsen
—Mental Health Commission of Canada
The 11 core competencies required for the providion of peer support. These competencies are assessed as part of the Certification process.
This handbook outlines the essential experience, knowledge, skills, and competencies that make up the National Standard of Practice, and the Peer Support Certification process.
The 3rd phase of the Certification process is the practicum. This guide gives an overview of the requirements for Practicum sites.
Developed by peer supporters across Canada, these guidelines serve as the basis for Peer Support Certification. This document outlines the core values, principles of practice, and skills and acquired abilities for peer supporters.
The principles that form the foundation of the practice of peer support.
The ideals and ethics grounding peer support work.
This seminal 2010 report highlights the status of peer support in Canada, and made the case for investment in clinical and community settings. Making the Case for Peer Support recommended the development of national guidelines for the funding and development of peer support.
An audit tool for peer support training programs to help align training content with the Peer Support Standards of Practice.
Peer Support Canada offers certification for Peer Supporters, Family Peer Supporters, and for Peer Support Mentors. 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.
The Standards of Practice for mental health peer supporters were developed in consultation with peer supporters from across the country and endorsed by peer leaders representing interests nationwide. The national Standards of Practice consist of the knowledge, competencies, experience, and code of conduct requirements to effectively provide peer support services with due care and skill in a variety of settings.
Certification is a verification of one’s alignment with the nationally endorsed Standards of Practice for Peer Support and is recognized across Canada. The Standards of Practice outline the experience, competencies and knowledge needed to deliver peer support effectively. These standards were developed in consultation with 600 peer supporters from across Canada.
Peer Support Canada offers the following:
- Peer supporter certification
- Family peer supporter certification
- Peer support mentor certification
- Family peer support mentor certification
Peer support certification indicates that a peer supporter possesses the necessary competencies outlined in the National Standards of Practice as set out by Peer Support Canada. The certification of peer supporters recognizes the contribution of peer support in the mental health and addiction field and endorses peer support work as a valid and respected career.
Certification affirms that an individual is competent to do peer support work. Their skills may be utilized within community organizations, clinical settings and workplaces. Peer support work is increasingly valued and is being introduced into new settings as well.
The Peer Support Canada Certification standards have been endorsed by members of the peer support community across Canada and, as such, the credentials are national in scope, allowing peer supporters to carry the credential with them in work settings across the provinces and territories.
Certification helps extend a peer supporter’s network across Canada. Through mentorship, candidates connect with peer leaders from across the country, learning emerging best practices and having opportunities to collaborate.
Please note, Peer Support Canada views certification as voluntary and recognizes that not all peer supporters will choose this path.
Yes. Certification verifies one’s alignment with the nationally endorsed Standards of Practice and is recognized across Canada. Peer Support Canada is the only organization offering peer support certification that is recognized nationally.
In order to qualify for peer supporter certification, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Have lived experience with a mental illness or mental health struggles (personally, or as a family member/loved one)
- Be on a path of recovery and wellness
- Have a readiness to support others
- Possess values aligned with the Peer Support Canada Code of Conduct
- Have experience meeting the Standards of Practice
- Have at least 200 hours of providing formalized peer support
In order to qualify for peer support mentor certification, an application must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Peer Support Canada certified peer supporter
- Have at least 5 years involvement in peer support work
- Bring skills and expertise in at least one of the following:
o Peer support program development or management
o Peer support coordination
o Mentoring, coaching and/or training of peer supporters
Peer Support Canada Certification typically takes between 12-24 months to complete, with some candidates completing within a year. We recognize that many candidates will wish to complete the certification process as promptly as possible, and we do our best to support this. The certification process is intended to be self-paced, so we are happy to accommodate breaks or extensions.
The mentor certification is a longer process and is generally completed in approximately 24 months.
Peer support and family peer support certification costs are allocated and billed according to each phase of the process:
Phase 1: $90
Phase 2: $440
Phase 3: $750
Total: $1280
Peer support mentor and family peer support mentor certification costs are also allocated and billed according to each phase of the process:
Phase 1: $90
Phase 2: $440
Phase 3: $1220
Total: $1750
As a not-for-profit organization, Peer Support Canada is not able to offer discounts or bursaries for peer supporter certification at this time. However, we do wish to highlight that certification is invoiced by phase, so the fee is not required up front (unless requested by the candidate). As certification can take at least 1 year to complete, the invoices can be spread out. We also work to facilitate the timing of payments to ensure candidates feel supported in this way.
Please note there are bursaries available to those pursing the mentor certifications. For more information, please contact us at info@peersupportcanada.ca.
Both certifications are based on peer-to-peer relationships, meaning that the individuals or group members involved have a similar, common experience.
Our peer support certification is designed for individuals with lived experience of a mental health and/or addiction challenge or mental illness who are supporting others with a mental health and/or addiction challenge or mental illness.
The family peer support certification is designed for those practicing family peer support, where the term “family” includes those in a person’s circle of support. Family peer support is support that is provided by family members who have a mental health and/or addiction challenge or mental illness to others in a similar situation. This relationship recognizes the impact that shared experience can have on the recovery journey of all involved.
Although there are many learning opportunities throughout the process, certification is not a training program. Certification is a confirmation of your knowledge and experience, rather than a form of training. While prior participation in peer support training may be beneficial for individuals seeking certification, it is a not a requirement for eligibility.
Peer Support Canada is the national certifying body for peer supporters in Canada and does not offer any direct peer support services.
If you are interested in receiving peer support or mental health services, we encourage you to reach out to local peer support organizations to determine what may be available in your community. Your local CMHA branch may also be a good resource to direct you to local service options.
Have a question we haven’t answered above? Please email us at info@peersupportcanada.ca and we would be happy to support.