Resources
There are many resources to help guide peer support and workplace mental health initiatives. The following are those that I have been involved in creating. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Guidelines for the Practice and Training of Peer Support
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) sponsored the creation of these guidelines utilizing the expertise and practical wisdom of leaders in the peer support field representing Canada’s provinces coast to coast.
Use these Guidelines to learn more about the practice of peer support, including guiding values, principles of practice, and recommended skills, abilities and personal attributes of peer supporters. Section 2 focuses on training modules recommended to assist a prospective peer supporter be better prepared to support others.
These guidelines apply to community, clinical, and workplace peer support programs.
Peer Support Canada Certification Handbook
Peer Support Canada (PSC), formerly known as Peer Support Accreditation and Certification Canada, is a non-profit charitable organization that grew out of the MHCC Peer Support Guidelines. I, as the inaugural Executive Director, and the National Peer Support Advisory Group, developed a Standard of Practice and certification process for Certified Peer Supporters and Certified Peer Support Mentors (those who guide prospective certified peer supporters).
Use the certification handbook to learn more about the Standards of Practice that guide the certification process for peer supporters and peer support mentors. Lived Experience, Knowledge, Acquired Experience and Competency Standards are included. This Handbook applies to community, clinical, and workplace peer supporters.
Use the PeerSupportCanada.com website to view the Code of Conduct, the Competencies, and to learn more about PSC service offering.
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health: Overview of Workplace Peer Support Programs
Great West Life’s Workplace Strategies for Mental Health sponsored the creation of this document utilizing the expertise of several workplace-based mental health and peer support leaders.
Use this overview to learn more about the requirements and guidelines for a workplace-based peer support program.
Workplace Peer Support Implementation
Stephane Grenier, a renowned workplace peer support and mental health innovator, and his partners offer implementation support, advisory services, training and workshops.
MHI continues to innovate by offering an outsourced service to virtually manage your organization’s Peer Support Program and the employee volunteers who are offering peer support. This dedication to your PSP will enhance sustainability of the program: Support Your People
Use this fact to support your business plan for creating your organization’s Peer Support Program
Learn more about workplace-based programs, and in particular, MHI’s innovative program management services
The Global Business and Economic Roundtable for Addiction and Mental Health 2011 Report
This publication is authored by Bill Wilkerson (Roundtable co-founder, Chairman and CEO) and Honourable Michael Wilson (Roundtable Senior Chairman), overviewing the 10 years of wisdom and data sharing among Canada’s business leaders, Bay Street CEO,s and mental health leaders. Of greater importance, Mr. Wilkerson and Mr. Wilson look forward to advise today’s workplace leaders of the strategies that must be taken to turn the corner on the devastating impact that depression and other mental illnesses are having on the economics and people of today’s workplaces. (Project Manager, Kim Sunderland)
Read Part II of this document to understand ‘The Constellation of Issues’ challenging the mental health of today’s workplace.
Read Part III, The Grey Paper, to reflect on the ‘New Workplace of the 21st Century’.