• Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training - A Program in Your Community

    Helping you, help yourself.

Rural Minds Matter
Peer Support Training

In partnership with:

Learning Outcomes

> 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

Rural Minds Matter Peer Support 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.

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 – AM

Introductions

    • Stigma-Free Mental Health Society
    • Sara Riel Inc. and Foundation/SR Training
    • This Workshop

What is Peer Support

    • A Brief History
    • Recovery Core Values
    • Standards and Principles of Practice

DAY 1 – PM

Understanding Disclosure and Stigma

Models of Support

    • Recovery Model
    • Trauma-Informed Care
    • Person-Centered
    • Self-Determination
    • Harm Reduction
    • Strength-Based

DAY 2 – AM

    • Theory into practice – exploring and practicing the Models of Support
    • Tips and techniques to enhance peer supported relationships.
    • Communication Skills

DAY 2 – PM

    • The importance of Peer Support in addition to (or absence of) resources
    • Developing and facilitating successful peer groups
    • Creating an environment of safety and inclusion

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 Rural Minds Matter Peer Support Training is valued at $375.00

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 Minds Matter Peer Support Training, please contact us.

We thank you for your interest and support!

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