Activities involved
Peer Support
- Work remotely
- Good for youth
Peer Support Group Facilitator
2 hours
/ weekly
September - April 2024
The Kaleidoscope Mental Health Support Society is looking to recruit volunteer peer support facilitators for our support groups. We have groups for both postsecondary students, as well as for the general public. Kaleidoscope’s primary goal is to provide a safe(r), confidential, low-stigma environment for all individuals who identify with having lived experience of mental health concerns. Many attendees of Kaleidoscope have reported feeling isolated in their experiences with mental health concerns; however, meeting others with similar experiences can mitigate the stigma and feelings of discrimination, and replace feelings of isolation with a sense of belonging. We offer free peer-facilitated mental health support group programs open to all individuals experiencing difficulties with their mental health. We provide a space for participants to share their stories with peers who have had similar experiences with mental health challenges and/or mental illness and can share their thoughts, feelings, challenges, and triumphs in confidence, all while supporting and empowering each other. Our volunteer peer facilitators are essential in the delivery of our program. All of our volunteer facilitators identify with having personal lived experience of mental health concerns. They are not medical professionals, and they do not offer medical advice; however, our facilitators go through training in suicide prevention, mental health literacy, active listening, and facilitation skills. After completion of the training, they undergo a period of shadowing before they facilitate support groups as well as provide mental health resources and crisis intervention to the attendees of the support group. Register for Sept 21 peer support group facilitator training at https://forms.gle/5RRohoefJhV1PoPS7
Certification or Education Required
Peer support training and experience would be considered an asset
Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?
See if working in the helping profession is a good fit for you! Our support group facilitators have gone on to become peer support workers, social workers, counsellors, even doctors. We also provide our volunteer support group facilitators with training in basic counselling skills (e.g., active listening, empathic responses), group facilitation, suicide prevention and intervention. Our next training is September 15, 2024 from 10:00am-4:00pm (Pacific). Groups are currently offered online.
Activities involved
Peer Support
- Remote or online
- Good for youth