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Peer support

What is peer support?

Peer support is a supportive relationship between people who have a lived experience in common, that is, the personal knowledge about mental illness gained through first-hand experience, or experience supporting a loved one, family member, or friend.1

You are not alone

Our peer support volunteers are trained through our partnership with Hope + Me – Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO). They are here to walk with you on your path to recovery, providing emotional and social support based on their own lived experience with OCD and related anxiety disorders. Recovery is possible and hope is where the journey begins.2

What our clients are saying

“Hearing about others’ experiences helps to not feel so alone. Learning about how others deal with challenges is helpful.”

“They understood my situation and provided authentic feedback.”

“The group provides good support and motivation. It makes you realize that everyone else in the group is working on similar issues.”

Peer support at the Thompson Centre

*Currently all programming is virtual

To register for a group or one-on-one peer support, contact us at thompsonpeersupport@sunnybrook.ca or 416-480-4002.

If you are not a client of the Thompson Centre but are looking for community support, please visit the Hope + Me – MDAO website.

Additional resources:

Read the inspiring story of one of our dedicated peer support volunteers »


References

1 Adapted from: Sunderland, Kim, Mishkin, Wendy, Peer Leadership Group, Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2013). Guidelines for the Practice and Training of Peer Support. Calgary, AB: Mental Health Commission of Canada. Retrieved from: www.mentalhealthcommission.ca

2 Sunderland, Kim, Mishkin, Wendy, Peer Leadership Group, Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2013). Guidelines for the Practice and Training of Peer Support. Calgary, AB: Mental Health Commission of Canada. Retrieved from: www.mentalhealthcommission.ca

3 Hardaker, D. (2012). Self-Determination and Peer Support. www.donnahardaker.com

4 Sunderland, Kim, Mishkin, Wendy, Peer Leadership Group, Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2013). Guidelines for the Practice and Training of Peer Support. Calgary, AB: Mental Health Commission of Canada.| Retrieved from: www.mentalhealthcommission.ca