- About this Guide
- The Case for Peer Support on Campus
- Environment preparation
- Recruiting peer supporters
- Training ideas
- Supervision and support
- Case Studies
- Program operation
- Evaluation
- Appendix
- Appendix A: Additional resources
- Appendix B: Sample needs assessment
- Appendix C: Sample peer supporter job postings
- Appendix D: Interview questions to ask
- Appendix E: Campus staff training outline
- Appendix F: Reflective practice framework for peer supporters
- Appendix G: Self-reflective practice: tips for peer supporters
- Appendix H: Peer support case note template
Student wellness space and peer support at Conestoga
Postcards used around campus in service areas and classes to promote the space and the services.
Peer support staff
- Peer navigator (paid staff)
Role requirements: two-year diploma (social/health related field), one year of providing peer support in a paid or volunteer role, identifies as having lived experience of mental health or addiction issues and of using mental health/addiction services during post-secondary studies (refer to Appendix C for the peer navigator job description at Conestoga College)
Training and certification provided: ASIST, nonviolent crisis intervention, five days formal peer support training (provided by the Centre for Excellence in Peer Support), trauma-informed peer support training, working on an interdisciplinary team training, Peer Support Canada certification, monthly peer workers community of practice learning and networking opportunities
- Volunteers Peer supporters (unpaid position)
A large variety of trainings are offered, including but not limited to: what is peer support, peer support mental health and addictions foundation, group facilitation, conflict resolution, confidentiality, self-care and boundaries, as well as safeTalk being offered frequently on campus
Program funding
The role of peer navigator at Conestoga College is funded through the Mental Health Workers Grant.
Program integration
The peer navigator role is part of Student Success Services at Conestoga College and is overseen on campus by the manager of counselling services. The peer navigator works closely with other student success services such as the nurse practitioner, accessibility services, student success advisors and others to help provide a variety of supports and services to assist students.
Physical Space
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| One of the recharge rooms featuring: seasonal affective disorder lamp, Lego, fidget toys, colouring supplies, resources (Here 24/7, Good2Talk, BounceBack, etc.) | Lounge area featuring: natural light, beautiful nature views, group area, Lego, board games, knitting, fidget toys, colouring supplies, puzzles, resources, etc. |
The Breathing Space schedule for November 2019