From the Blog

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 (Madness, Advocacy, and Disability) 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

March 1, 2023

A Call for Proposal for our Upcoming Annual Conference

Call for Proposals - Deadline: March 24th, 2023  

December 22, 2022

4 Things to Remember This Holiday Season (Plus, a Resource Guide)

The holidays mean different things to different people. For some, they are a time of joy and celebration, a time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and a time to be with your loved ones. For others, they can be incredibly stressful and triggering when it comes to feelings of anxiety or depression or a history of disordered eating and addiction. Here are some things to keep in mind this holiday season:  

March 22, 2021

Addressing the Rise of Anti-Asian Racism and Supporting Asian-Canadian Community Members

Anti-Asian racism has been on the rise since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and media outlets are reporting incidences of violence and discrimination similar to those that occurred during the 2003 SARS outbreak. 

February 28, 2021

Black Mental Health Matters: Resources for Learning and Change

Today marks the second annual Black Mental Health Day in Ontario and another opportunity to emphasize that our system needs to do better when it comes to supporting the mental health of Black Canadians. 

January 28, 2021

In an Ongoing Pandemic, Affordable Access to Technology is a Public Health Issue

This year’s Bell Let’s Talk comes almost a year into the COVID-19 pandemic – a time in which Canadians have faced unprecedented isolation, stress, and uncertainty that has taken a clear toll on our mental health.

December 23, 2020

Resources for Surviving a Pandemic Holiday

The holidays can be a challenging time in an ordinary year: increased family obligations, financial stress, gatherings centred around food and alcohol and at times heightened feelings of loneliness. But with COVID-19 restrictions, this year may pose an extra challenge to maintaining your sense of overall wellness. 

December 8, 2020

Peer Support Strong: Reflecting on the Power of Peers

Last week, we came together as a community to celebrate Peer Support Week along with Lived Experience Recovery Network (LERN) and Nipissing Mental Health Housing and Support Services (NMHHSS). The event drew together more than 200 registrants across Ontario in support of celebrating, supporting and showing the strength of peer support workers and organizations within the province.

November 15, 2020

Preparing for Winter Wellness with Lived Experience & Recovery Network’s Kari Sterling

As winter approaches and COVID-19 restrictions tighten yet again in Ontario, we know the risk of Canadians’ mental health declining is high. Cold temperatures mean less opportunities for outdoor socialization, the closing of more services and of course, reduced daylight hours posing new challenges for those who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

November 3, 2020

Preparing for Winter Mental Wellness With Northern Initiative for Social Action

As winter approaches and COVID-19 restrictions tighten yet again in Ontario, we know the risk of Canadians’ mental health declining is high. Cold temperatures mean less opportunities for outdoor socialization, the closing of more services and of course, reduced daylight hours posing new challenges for those who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

October 13, 2020

AGM and 11th Annual Lighthouse Awards Recap

After months of social distancing and isolation, last week’s Annual General Meeting (2019-2020) and 11th Annual PeerWorks Lighthouse Awards ceremony was truly a testament to the strength of our peer community. 

October 10, 2020

On World Mental Health Day, We Want More Funding for Mental Wellness

Every year on October 10th, organizations across the globe observe the World Health Organization’s “World Mental Health Day”.  This year, that day comes during a time of enormous uncertainty and societal upheaval as a result of COVID-19.

June 9, 2020

4 Tips for Maintaining Wellness While Working from Home

Since moving to a remote workforce, Julia Read and her coworkers at CMHAWW Self Help and Peer Support Team have had ups and downs. They shared their tips for maintaining wellness while working from home as workplaces continue to practice social distancing.

May 12, 2020

How to Access Remote Peer Support During COVID-19

A growing list of phone/online peer support resources Consumer-Survivor and Support Lines/Online Groups: Centre for Innovation in Peer Support: www.centreforinnovationinpeersupport.com The Center offers two large streams of virtual services & programming. 

May 12, 2020

Laughter and Wellness in the Midst of a Pandemic

Allan Strong, long-time peer support advocate and Peer Support Coordinator at Choices for Change, shares his thoughts on the importance of maintaining one’s sense of humour through COVID-19. 

March 24, 2020

What you need to know about COVID-19

On March 17, the province of Ontario declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19, a new virus that is spreading rapidly across the world. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. 

March 18, 2020

Support for Ontario’s Health and Social Service Workers During COVID-19

We wanted to do something a little different this week as our NewsToGo Team steps back to navigate a new environment and supporting our community through COVID-19 becomes an increased priority. 

March 10, 2020

PeerWorks' 2020 Peer Support Conference: Save the Date and Call for Proposals

We are excited to invite proposals in several formats for our two conference themes. All are welcome to submit a proposal, including those who will be first-time attendees.