Stories

As Helen San Andres sat in her job interview with Peer Support Coordinator Patrick Raymond, she realized something remarkable. The very thing that other employers would have seen as a detriment to employment was actually an asset for Peer Support. Not only that, it was a requirement.

When Gerard reflects back on his life, he’s not sure how he did it. For years, he lived and worked with an undiagnosed mental illness. He would be manic and then fall into a depression. It got to a point where he was unable to sleep, turning to alcohol to try and deal with the insomnia. But 18 years ago, all of that changed.

When Adria reflects on her journey towards mental wellness, she recognizes that the journey began with a reconnection to her indigenous roots.

Our Peer Support Workers are excited to be part of a new Fraser Health initiative: the Virtual Psychiatric Unit. Find out how our PSWs are making an impact!

Ashleigh Singleton was only 16 years old when she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. At the time, she thought her diagnosis meant that she'd never amount to anything. But Ashleigh eventually learned that it was also an opportunity. Watch Ashleigh's story to learn more.

Communitas Supportive Care Society’s Peer Support Services was nominated in the Innovative Initiative category at the year’s Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards. The award ceremonies were held on March 10th.

Frank Reiter is such an artist. Frank weaves beautiful threads together – threads often dyed and spun by his wife, Nicole. Creating a finished piece of cloth is a joyful process for him. It is also a form of therapy and for Frank, who lives with anxiety, this has become a meaningful way to bring calm to his life.

Alison is a writer and story teller. She believes that everyone has a story that is worthy of telling. By sharing our stories with each other, we learn and grow, we inspire each other towards hope. And hope is something we all need.

Adria is a confident person who is not afraid to speak her mind. She feels strongly that it is important for her to share the challenges that she lives with in order to help break the stigma that surrounds them.

Brian Kroeker is a calm, confident, caring person. He brings these characteristics to all that he does, including his various roles at Communitas Supportive Care Society, where he has worked for 6 years.

Adria is living a good life. She is working full-time, enjoys artistic endeavours like painting and poetry, and she has healthy relationships. It’s a far different life than what she was living just six years ago when mental illness took its toll.

Barbara knows first-hand what it means to live with a physical disability and mental health challenges. As a Peer Support Worker, she shares her journey with others.