Peer Support Program

What is the BMHC Peer Support Program?

In a support group, people are able to talk with others who are like themselves—people who truly empathize with what they are going through and can share the type of practical insights that can only come from firsthand experiences.

We offer a 10 to 12 session programs for up to 10 participants with similar intersections and lived experiences. Through these programs we aim to break the stigma and shame associated with mental health and create an anti-oppressive, harm reductive space for cathartic release, community building, and skill sharing. Due to COVID-19, these sessions are offered over zoom.

The Peer Support Program includes weekly sessions with a facilitator and active listener to support. Through these sessions participants are able to speak about their experiences while learning more about mental health, developing a new outlook, and learning culturally relevant coping mechanisms. Peers will actively create an inclusive, and safer environment for each other from registration to the very last session.

The audiences for our groups are dependent on the intersections of our facilitators and active listeners or the methodology that will be explored by the group. We have previously had groups for Black LGBTQIA2S+ youth ages 18-35, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming youth groups, and drama therapy groups.

Thank you to the Tegan and Sarah Foundation and the SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation for funding our past and current peer support groups.