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.
Given that the situation appears to be slowly improving, we are pleased to announce that the National Conference on Peer Support, hosted by Peer Support Canada, has been tentatively rescheduled for June 7-8, 2021. The location remains in Burnaby, BC, and we are moving forward with all aspects of our original plans.
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 connects peer supporters and organizations, helping share information and building capacity for peer support.
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.
Kim Dixon
Alicia Raimundo
Deb Sherman
Debbie Sesula
Debbie Wiebe
Fiona Wilson
Michelle Way
Mike Douglas
Tom Kelly
Our certified peer support mentors are matched with certification applicants, providing guidance and feedback throughout the practicum.
Andy Cox
Karen Henze
Debbie Weibe
Debbie Sesula
Deb Sherman
Patrick Raymond
Fiona Wilson
Kim Dixon
Tom Kelly
Michelle Way
Tracey Mitchell
Pamela Spurvey
Allison Dunning
Candidates:
Kristine Quaid
Keely Phillips
Shawn Pendenque
Gail Taylor
—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.