Peer Support Worker Training

Your Lived Experience, Your Leadership Journey

Peer Support Worker Training is your opportunity to take all that you’ve learned on your journey of recovery and play a powerful role in the lives of your peers.

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What is Peer Support Worker Training?
Who is it for?
What to expect
How to join
Resources

What is Peer Support Worker Training?

This training is only available to residents of British Columbia, Canada that are 19 years or older seeking employment with Communitas or Fraser Health and able to attend in person practicums within the Fraser Health Authority Region. If you are not seeking employment please visit BCcampus (peerconnectbc.ca) for their online training. This training focuses on the role of Peer Support Workers with Communitas Peer Support Program and services it provides to the Fraser Health Authority.

If you are between the ages of 18 to 27, you may also want to consider taking training with the Fraser Health Youth Peer Support. They can be reached at youthpeersupport@fraserhealth.ca For more information see the poster in the resource section at the bottom of this page.

Peer Support Worker Training prepares you to offer practical and emotional support to people who are learning how to manage their own mental health recovery. Peer Support Workers have walked their journey recovery long enough to play an inspiring and encouraging leadership role. They also understand that leadership in recovery is about meeting people on their level with authenticity and humility, as a peer and not as an “authority.”

 

Who is it for?

Peer Support Worker Training is for people with lived experiences of managing mental health challenges who want to support others on their journey of recovery. It is designed for people who have a strong record of recovery for themselves and community involvement.

Please see our FAQ below and read the “Becoming a PSW” document in the resources section at the bottom of this page before signing up.

Due to high demand all seats are full for our 2024 trainings. If you sign up you will be provided dates once they are planned.

What to expect

To earn a Peer Support Certification through this training, you will learn (among much else):

  • Excellent communication skills
  • How to set healthy boundaries
  • What it means to offer trauma-informed support
  • How to support a peer in setting and meeting personal goals
  • How support a peer in finding and using community resources
  • How to navigate cultural differences

Frequently Asked Questions

No, we do not provide pay or allowances for this training
No, completion of training does not guarantee a position of employment.
No, there are no tests, but mandatory participation in role plays and practicum completions are necessary to pass. Please see the resource below "Becoming a PSW" for many details regarding the training.
Yes, practicums are part of the training, trainees will be placed in Acute (Hospital) and Tertiary (Long Term Stay) facilities. This is a requirement to complete the training.
Yes, there is a mix of virtual and in person classes during the training. You will need access to a computer or device that will have video to show yourself during the virtual sessions.

Testimonial

Testimonial

We are pleased to announce the Youth Peer Support Training provided by Fraser Health. For information see the poster in the resource section at the bottom of this page or contact them at youthpeersupport@fraserhealth.ca

– Patrick

How to Join

Please ensure you read Becoming a PSW document in the resource section on this page so you can make an informed decision before signing up for the Orientation session.
Sign Up for Orientation Session Here

Resources

How to Use Zoom

Instructions on how to use zoom on many devices during our groups.
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Becoming a PSW

Please read before signing up.
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Youth Peer Support

Information on Youth Peer Support Training
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