From the Blog

July 23, 2024

Disability Pride Month

In 2023, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario passed Bill 128, an act to proclaim that July is Disability Pride Month.

July 4, 2024

Mapping Peer Support Futures

On February 27th, Calvin Prowse facilitated a workshop with the goal of mapping some of the elements currently shaping the future of mental health and addictions peer support. 

June 30, 2024

Empowered Narratives Submission # 5: Pride Month Edition

This Pride Month, PeerWorks invites 2SLGBTQIA+ people with lived experience to contribute their blogs and other creative expressions, sharing their journeys of overcoming mental health and substance use challenges.

June 21, 2024

National Indigenous Peoples Day

For generations, Indigenous communities have been celebrating their culture and heritage on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, which falls on June 20th, 21st, and 22nd depending on the year.

June 19, 2024

PeerWorks Unveils Official Position Statement on Peer Support Integrity

NEWS RELEASE

June 7, 2024

Empowered Narratives Submission #4: Pride Edition

This Pride Month, PeerWorks invites 2SLGBTQIA+ people with lived experience to contribute their blogs and other creative expressions, sharing their journeys of overcoming mental health and substance use challenges.

May 31, 2024

Empowered Narratives Submission #3

PeerWorks invites people with lived experience to contribute their blogs and other creative expressions sharing their journeys of overcoming mental health and substance use challenges.

May 17, 2024

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and  Transphobia 

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia is observed annually on May 17th. 

May 10, 2024

PeerWorks 2024 Annual Conference and Lighthouse Awards

The Annual Conference and Lighthouse Awards took place on April 30th and May 1st. This year, the “Gathering Together, Dreaming Together, and Transforming Together” conference consistently reminded us that we must look to the past, not only to know the future but to remember how far we have come. 

May 3, 2024

On the Other Side of Miscarriage

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week takes place April 29-May 5th. It is a campaign dedicated to discussing mental health problems before, during, and after pregnancy. This year, we want to highlight this story from Karin Thoms. 

April 26, 2024

Empowered Narrative Submission #2

PeerWorks invites people with lived experience to contribute their blogs and other creative expressions sharing their journeys of overcoming mental health and substance use challenges.

March 28, 2024

Empowered Narratives Submission # 1

PeerWorks invites people with lived experience to contribute their blogs and other creative expressions sharing their journeys of overcoming mental health and substance use challenges.

March 8, 2024

International Women's Day: Women's Mental Health

In recognition of women’s history month, we want to take this opportunity to highlight how mental health issues impact women.  As an all women-run organization, PeerWorks recognizes that mental health issues can affect women differently and some mental disorders are unique to women.  

March 1, 2024

Black Mental Health Week

“We cannot build peace without justice, and we cannot have justice without truth.” ~ Dr. Jean Augustine

November 20, 2023

Honouring Lives: Transgender Day of Remembrance

According to the Trans Murder Monitoring report, which tracks murders reported in the media, 320 trans people were murdered around the world between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023. Those were only the ones reported in the news and that number is expected to be much higher. The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance held on November 20 to pay tribute to transgender people who lost their lives to acts of anti-transgender violence. 

November 9, 2023

Remembrance Day: Navigating Mental Health Resources for Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans

On November 11th, Remembrance Day is observed in Commonwealth member states to honour the armed forces members who lost their lives in the line of duty during World War I and subsequent conflicts. 

September 29, 2023

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Every Child Matters

This September 30th marks the 3rd annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the 10th Orange Shirt Day in Canada. 

August 31, 2023

#WeSeeYou Campaign for International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)

August 4, 2023

Dreaming Together: (Re)Imagining Pathways for Peer Advancement

This blog post was written by Colene Allen and Calvin Prowse, two members of the PeerWorks board of directors

July 12, 2023

The Importance of Mad Pride

In a world that often stigmatizes and marginalizes individuals with varying mental health needs, a movement known as Mad Pride has emerged, aiming to shift the mental health narrative. This blog post explores the concept of Mad Pride, celebrating diversity, challenging societal norms, and highlighting the crucial role of peer support. By shedding light on these topics, we can foster understanding, empathy, and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their mental health experiences. 

June 7, 2023

Navigating the Intersection of Mental Health, Addiction, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

As we celebrate Pride Month, it is crucial to shine a light on the intersection of mental health, addiction, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The journey towards self-acceptance and navigating one's identity can be complex and challenging, particularly for individuals in this community. They face unique struggles, including a higher prevalence of mental health issues and addiction. This article will delve into these intersections, explore the challenges faced, and emphasize the importance of peer support, especially during Pride Month. 

May 26, 2023

"The Power of Peer Support"

PeerWorks would like to present "The Power of Peer Support," a short video where some of the members of our community speak about what peer support means to them. 

May 19, 2023

PeerWorks and Members Visit Queen's Park

On May 8th, 2023, PeerWorks and some of its member organizations visited Queen's Park. Our visit aimed to educate and raise awareness on the importance and need for community-based peer support organizations. Throughout the day, Allyson Theodorou, PeerWorks Operations Director, and representatives of our member organizations met with Members of the Provincial Parliament and their staff to speak about the importance of peer support.

March 3, 2023

Black Mental Health Week: Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Services within Black Communities