Published on Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (https://mooddisorders.ca)

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Provincial Peer Support Program

 

Provincial Peer Support Program

In addition to providing a strong hub of peer support services and programs at our head office in Toronto, the MDAO has 35 affiliate member organizations that offer peer support across the province. Recently, with the support of funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we launched the Peer Support Provincial Capacity Building (PSCB) project. The purpose of the project is to help us better connect with and build the capacity of our 35 affiliate members, which run 54 peer support groups across Ontario.

The main purpose of the project is to come up with an organization and membership model that will be sensitive, flexible, and adaptable to the demands and expectations of each region. Funding will be used to implement training and develop volunteer, e-learning, and communication tools that will help strengthen the capacity and sustainability of the provincial peer-support network. The initiative will help remove barriers and standardize, peer-support and recovery programs for Ontarians living with mood disorders.

Telephone Information Support

Our toll-free telephone number (1-888-486-8236) allows callers from across the province to access information and support. Trained volunteers are available during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to provide callers with local support group details, guidance on how to find a doctor as well as offering peer to peer support.

Peer Support Groups

Regular drop-in peer support groups are held in a wide variety of locations throughout the province of Ontario. There is no registration required and all groups are free of charge. Confidentiality is always respected.

Check out our peer support groups across Ontario.

See our online calendar for dates and times of our drop-in peer support groups across Ontario.

Contact:

(416) 486-8046 
info@mooddisorders.ca 

 

                   

This program is funded by:
the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care

 

 

Peer Support

 
The expression “peer support” is bandied about
by many people far and wide.
But “ What does it mean?” is the question asked
and how does one really decide.
 
In the context of individuals with a mental illness,
the meaning is really quite clear.
It’s a valued sharing or each other’s experiences,
with a caring heart and an open ear.
 
Though mental illness is by nature quite invisible,
it’s as devastating as any other disorder.
It need be understood with thoughtful kindness,
and peer support can fill this order.
 
Peer Support is not based on any medical model,
it sees the human side of everyone.
With this understanding we can journey together,
until mutual struggles are overcome.
 
Self-esteem and our sense of well being get lost,
as with illness we attempt to cope.
With compassionate support from friendly peers,
our recovery is blessed with hope.
 
A new sense of self-awareness tends to emerge,
whenever we support one another.
There will often surface many remarkable talents
that we buried or attempted to smother.
 
Merchants of discrimination and loathsome stigma
will cringe when they see us well.
They will scratch their head and appear dismayed
and will really be confused for a spell.
 
 
Peer support is a loving and nurturing experience
that will benefit most everyone.
So, before you colour it with the darkness of doubt,
put your ignorance on the run.
 
Len M. Wood

 

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Source URL: https://mooddisorders.ca/program/provincial-peer-support-program