Have you ever experienced a challenging time in your life that caused you to take deliberate steps towards improving your well-being?

Would you like to provide other students with emotional support?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, consider applying to become a Peer Supporter!

While Peer Supporters are volunteers, after 10 hours of service each volunteer will receive a $150 honorarium. The Peer Supporter team will also be provided with social and recreational opportunities like sport or arts event tickets so that they can get to know each other and build community.

Email Fizza Rashid for an application and more information. The application deadline is September 27th, 2024.

Background

RRC Polytech identified mental health peer support as a priority in its Healthy Minds Healthy College Strategy. With financial support from Bell Canada and the Students’ Association, RRC Polytech has worked with consultants to develop a student peer support program that will be launching in January of 2025!

What is Peer Support?

Peer support is social and emotional support between people who share a common lived experience with challenging life experiences, mental illness and/or addiction. Peer support is a worthy complement to clinical mental healthcare, as it supports well-being.

What do Peer Supporters Do?

A Peer Supporter is someone who uses their lived experience in combination with set competencies and formal training to inspire hope and empower others who are in similar situations by providing social and emotional support.

Some examples of Peer Supporter responsibilities include:

• Establish rapport with peers and build a relationship based on trust, respect, genuineness and empathy while maintaining clear boundaries;
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of personal information;
• Support peers as they strive to make positive changes and explore how to work towards their goals;
• Explore with peers the availability of existing resources. Empower and support peers in contacting and accessing appropriate services as required;
• Assist with promoting awareness of the Peer Support Program;
• Avoid providing peer support to individuals where a conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest may exist;
• Actively participate in Community of Practice and other professional development sessions as they arise to remain engaged and up to date with best practices and the evolution of the PSP

Why Apply to be a Peer Supporter?

Peer Supporters receive training to enhance a broad range of skills, including interpersonal skills. They learn about helpful resources and help others through difficult times. Throughout that process, Peer Supporters become even more connected to their campus community and support the well-being and growth of fellow students. We encourage you to apply today.