• Peer Support - A Program in Your Community

    Helping you, help yourself.

About Rural Mental Wellness Peer Support Fundamentals Training

In partnership with:

Learning Outcomes

After participating in the Peer Support Fundamentals Training, you will be able to:

  • Apply peer support skills in one-on-one and group settings;
  • Help others by sharing your personal experiences;
  • Facilitate your own peer support groups;
  • Practice self-care and prioritize your mental wellness

Training Format

Peer Support Fundamentals Training is held remotely online, and is facilitated by Stigma-Free Mental Health’s partner organization Sara Riel Inc. The sessions are attended by trainees from all over Canada interested in gaining peer support skills and having the option of implementing peer support groups in their communities.

The training sessions are held over two days, usually running from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm PST/11:30 am – 6:00pm EST.

Generally, there is a week between the first and second sessions.

Who Should Take This Training?

The training is open to anyone living within, or connected to rural or agricultural communities and has direct or indirect experiences with mental health.

Prospective participants are interested in learning valuable peer support skills and creating approachable conversations about mental wellness in their communities.

The training will prepare you to start an optional peer support group within your community that will encourage you to apply your valuable learnings.

Register for the Next Session Notify Me of Future Sessions

Topics Covered

Trainees will gain knowledge on a variety of topics regarding peer support fundamentals and learn how to create an effective Peer Support Group within their community:

Day 1

  • What Peer Support is… and isn’t!
  • Effective Definitions of Peer Support
  • What Makes a Good Peer Support Worker (focusing in Experience, Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Attitude, and Aptitude)
  • Comparing effective peer support to personal experiences or desires
  • Brief History of Peer Support
  • Core Values of Peer Support Accreditation and Certification Canada (PSACC)
  • Core Values of Sara Riel (company providing training)
  • Path to Full Potential (focusing on Self, Wellness, Hope, and Empowerment)
  • Defined Compassion (including Respect and Recovery)
  • Standards of Practice
    • Lived Experience
    • Code of Conduct
    • Knowledge
    • Acquired Experience
    • Competencies
  • Principles of Practice
  • Disclosures
  • Stigma Busting
  • The Importance of our own Self-Awareness, Bias and Privilege
  • Fundamental Concepts – Models of Care
  • Recovery Model
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Person-Centered Care
  • Self-Determination Model
  • Strength-Based Approach
  • Harm Reduction

Day 2

  • Putting Theory into Practice
  • Exploring and practicing the Models of Care
  • Communication tips and techniques to enhance peer-supported relationships
  • The importance of Peer Support, in addition to (or absence of) support resources
  • Developing and facilitating successful peer groups
  • Creating an environment of safety

Why is Peer Support Helpful for
Farming and Rural Communities?

Cost of Participation

Training has a one-time $50 fee payable to Stigma-Free Mental Health. You will be provided a link to pay this one-time fee upon registering which will secure your registration.

If you cannot afford the payment and have financial limitations, then please contact us to discuss.

The Peer Support Fundamentals Training is valued at $375.00

Register for the Next Session Notify Me of Future Sessions

Additional Resources

To enhance your training and implementation of Peer Support within your community, Stigma-Free Mental Health offers participants access to helpful resources including:

• Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit includes Inspiring Stories, helpful resources, education materials, videos, and other media to enhance your Peer Support Group
• Planning Your Rural Peer Support Group – a Step-By-Step Guide includes questions to consider, how to promote your Peer Support Group, and funding options
• Mobilizing Peer Support Groups in Canada addresses barriers and solutions to implementing Peer Support Groups

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Rural Peer Support Fundamentals Training, please contact us.

We thank you for your interest and support!

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