Canadian Mental Health Association
The Canadian Mental Health Association
Help Shape Peer Support
In AlbertaRED DEER
October 30th, 2015
Canadian Mental Health Association
Alberta Health Services (AHS)
Strategic Clinical NetworkIs a community of physicians, front-line health care workers, researchers, others specialized in addressing Albertans’ mental health and addiction needs, focusing on prevention and treatment.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Peer Project Goals:Through a community consultation process:1. identify current provincial peer
support programs 2. overview of promising practices 3. key opportunities and challenges4. recommendations that support the
advancement of Peer Support in Alberta.
Canadian Mental Health Association
What is peer support?People with similar lived experiences giving each other encouragement, hope, assistance, guidance and understanding that aids in recovery. It can be done anytime or anywhere when two or more peers are in a mutual, supportive relationship.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Recovery is person-driven
Recovery occurs via many pathways
Recovery is holistic
Recovery is supported by peers and allies
Recovery is supported through relationship and social networks
Recovery is culturally-based and influenced
Recovery involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility
Recovery is based on respect
Peer Support
Canadian Mental Health Association
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Canadian Mental Health Association
DefinitionRecovery means having the best life possible despite illness and symptoms. It is a way of living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life even with limitations caused by the illness.
It is an ongoing process. It has a complex non-linear nature. People can have relapses of symptoms.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Recovery: A shift in focusMoving from:
Stabilization and Maintenance Recovery and ResiliencyDisease/Disability Wellness and StrengthsWhat’s wrong? What’s strong?Staff Driven Client DrivenStaff-Client Hierarchy Staff-Client PartnershipMental Health Whole HealthSocial Separation Social IntegrationCompliance to a plan Engagement in a processDependence Interdependence
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Friendship
Clinical Guidelines for the Practice and Training of Peer Support, Mental Health Commission of Canada
Canadian Mental Health Association
#1If expertise is experience what is Peer Support Training?
Canadian Mental Health Association
#2How would your role/service/program be impacted by Peer Support Certification?
Canadian Mental Health Association
#3If you had $1million dollars to spend on Peer Support, where would you spend?
Canadian Mental Health Association
#4Weight the structure of your Peer Support model:Experience, Training, Mentorship,Community of Practice (support)
Canadian Mental Health Association
#5How do you link Peer Support in addiction and mental health services?
Canadian Mental Health Association
#6What would the policy look like to be able to offer Peer Support as a service option?