What is “Peer Support”?
The role of peer support workers is very special —and very unique— in promoting and supporting the recovery process. Peer support workers are members of the staff who, in the course of their work, openly acknowledge that they currently live, or have previously lived, with a mental illness or an addiction. The purpose of using their recovery journey is to inspire hope, act as a role model and a source of motivation and inspiration, and support and help educate those living in situations similar to the ones being shared.
Many peer support workers have managed to overcome the obstacles associated with stigma and poverty. They found their way and found dignity in living their lives. Thanks to the wealth of their experience, peer support workers can share their hope and knowledge. Peer support workers can offer peers an authentic connection and a bond of trust. Their mere presence can inspire hope… and hope is the catalyst to recovery.
Peer interventions come from an entirely different culture than the one promoted by the mental healthcare network. The guiding principles of peer support are respect, shared responsibility, and mutual understanding. Peer interventions promote respectful, empathetic, trusting, and kind-hearted dynamics. They help peers reclaim their power towards achieving the changes they want to make and take charge in the pursuit of their goals.
Community Peer Support Workers
CMHA of NB’s Community Peer Support program helps people living with addiction and/or mental illness to receive emotional and practical support from someone who has their own lived experiences and is trained to support others.
Peer Support Workers help people to develop goals, create strategies for self-empowerment, and take concrete steps to build fulfilling, self-determined lives. Peer support sessions are offered as one-on-one appointments and/or group programs.
The Community Peer Support Worker program is available at no cost and you can self-refer by contacting us directly. Please note you must be 16+ to engage with this service.
Peer Support is a non-clinical service which does not replace traditional or therapeutic supports. The Community Peer Support program is not a crisis service.
For crisis support, please contact:
Free provincial addiction and mental health helpline (24/7): 1-866-355-5550
In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Community Peer Support Team Lead- Fredericton
Janice Chaput (Janice.chaput@cmhanb-acsmnb.ca)
(506) 406-8137
Community Peer Support Worker- Fredericton
Alison Pyke (Alison.Pyke@cmhanb-acsmnb.ca)
(506) 405-0117
Community Peer Support Worker – Campbellton
Kevin Renouf (kevin.renouf@cmhanb-acsmnb.ca)
(506) 802-0474
Community Peer Support Worker – St. George
Ckhyamoj Glassford (ckhyamoj.glassford@cmhanb-acsmnb.ca)
(506) 406-6660
Community Peer Support Worker – Sussex
Martha Chown (martha.chown@cmhanb-acsmnb.ca)
(506) 300-9410
Virtual services may be available, contact for more information.