Free Peer Support Training

FREE New Peer Support Training available from BC Campus at: Peerconnectbc

Do you have an interest in supporting others with mental health concerns? 

Learning techniques, strategies and resources to help others can lead to rewarding volunteer roles, and the possibility of paid peer support worker positions when you are ready for that.
What is a peer support worker?
  • The lived expertise of peer-support workers is a powerful and effective tool employed in a wide range of mental health and substance use (MHSU) services throughout the province that can create bonds of trust with service users that result in fewer hospitalizations and a lessening of potential emotional distress. You can find peer-support workers in K–12 schools, post-secondary institutions, hospitals, correctional facilities, or anywhere else a community is working or learning together.
BCcampus has worked directly with the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions (MMHA) to develop, implement, and evaluate a provincial peer-training curriculum and a standard of practice designed to enhance the quality of the peer-support training throughout the province. The MMHA took a unique approach for this project by actively consulting peers with lived and living experience.
 
To do this, MMHA and BCcampus committed to working alongside peers with lived and living experience to include their lived expertise directly in the co-creation of the curriculum.

If you are interested in taking this peer support training, if you sign up in the Registration Section you will receive a Certificate after completing all 16 modules. This is a self-learning experience so you can work at this on your own pace.​
* If you have any questions regarding peer support training please connect with your Get Set & Connect Coach.
​They will be happy to assist you in navigating resources available for anyone interested in peer support training available in Vancouver.

Indigenous Youth Peer Support Program

Fraser Health is offering an Indigenous Youth Peer Support Training Program for individuals looking for an opportunity to provide social and emotional support to young people in their community.

Details:
  • 10 weeks of training in a hybrid setting (in-person and Zoom)
  • 2 days/week (Tuesday and Thursday) for 3 hours/day
  • A 60 hour practicum
  • Opportunities for paid positions after training
  • Application deadline is January 16, 2024

Eligibility:​
  • Self-identify as Indigenous youth or young adults between the ages 18-27
  • Has lived/living experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges
  • Demonstrates secure wellness, verified through a reference check and proactive approach to maintain well-being.
  • Maintains a strong support network to confidently engage in supporting youth, ensuring security in the face of daily exposure to mental health and substance use challenges.
  • Willingness to share aspects of lived experience with service providers, fellow youth, and families.
  • Demonstrates a sincere commitment to fostering new connections. Values meaningful interactions with fellow youth and young adults.
  • Maintains regular and stable access to a computer, checking email daily for effective engagement in the program.
  • Reflects strong communication and program engagement skills through effective time management
  • Recognizes and respects diverse cultural backgrounds and commits to creating inclusive and culturally safe environment for all .

​For more information, please
Email: [email protected]

Peer Support Worker Training - Spotlight on Mental Health
The Vancouver Mental Health & Substance Use Services Peer Support Program offers formal training to those with lived experience receiving mental health services an who qualify for paid work providing support to others. The program recognizes the value of lived experience, as well as the insights, strategies and knowledge stemming from a unique perspective. 
Peer support workers receive classroom and practical training. Areas of learning include roles and responsibilities of a peer support worker, communication, boundaries, strengths-based approach/psychosocial rehabilitation principles, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and confidentiality. 

Individuals can get a referral from a mental health team or unit where they are receiving support. 

* Note: The 2024 training schedule has yet to be released.

Other Peer Support Programs Include:
  • SMART Recovery - Self-Management and Recovery Training through Vancouver Coastal Health 
  • Vancouver Coastal Health Volunteer Program
  • Coast Mental Health Programs
  • ​Peer Connect BC