Peer Support is a service in which you would be matched with an individual who has their own lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges. This person is at a point in their recovery where they feel able to offer support and connection to others around mental health. Peer Support allows you to build a relationship that promotes respect, trust and connection, as well as empowers you to make informed decisions about your own life. This is a non-clinical service, meaning it is different from services like counseling and mental health case management. The relationship between you and the Peer Supporter is mutual and self-directed, meaning you choose what you want to discuss and what direction you want to go. Recovery Support is offered through witnessing and exploring, deep listening, forgoing assumptions, forming camaraderie, and centering the dignity of both persons offering and receiving support. 

Peer Support offers the opportunity to commit about one hour of your week to meeting with the Peer Supporter for up to three months. Peer support is conversation and relationship based and facilitates opportunities for connection, exploration and advocacy. Peer supporters are not responsible for delivering services in the realm of personal cares, daily living activities, transportation or other tasks not related to emotional support and advocacy. Certified Peer Specialists are trained with an integrated curriculum, meaning they are equipped to support both mental health and substance use experiences.