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From the Blog

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 

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March 1, 2024

Black Mental Health Week


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

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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August 31, 2023

#WeSeeYou Campaign for International Overdose Awareness Day


August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)

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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

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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 organizationsThroughout 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.

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March 3, 2023

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


While Black individuals may experience mental health issues at similar rates as other racial or ethnic groups, they are far less likely to seek help. According to a 2018 survey of 328 Black Canadian residents, only 38.3% of Black Canadian residents, who self-reported poor or fair mental health, used mental health services. Meanwhile, 50.4% of white Canadians, who self-reported similar mental health conditions, sought services.  

  

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March 1, 2023

A Call for Proposal for our Upcoming Annual Conference


Call for Proposals - Deadline: March 24th, 2023  

 

 

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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:  

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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March 8, 2020

International Women’s Day 2020


The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day as declared by the United Nations is “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”

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January 29, 2020

Let’s Talk About Building A Peer-Driven Mental Health Care System


Every year for #MentalHealthWeek, Canadians come together to start a conversation around mental health. As a mental health and addictions non-profit, we know this conversation needs to take place 365 days of the year. 

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January 9, 2019

Why the Definition of “Disability” in Social Assistance Matters to PWLE in Ontario


Ontarians head into the New Year, more than a month since the November 22nd press conference that outlined social assistance changes.

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October 17, 2018

Advocating for Paul and Protecting Peter


As we ease towards winter and a full up-and-running provincial government, what can we expect? Make no mistake; Ontario is fast becoming a defensive environment for people with lived experience in Ontario.

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September 14, 2018

GUEST BLOG: Building a Robust Peer Navigator Program to Accelerate Recovery: Q&A with a Peer Program Coordinator


Coordinating Care for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders, a unique program in Pittsburgh’s Allegheny County, uses peer navigators to engage people with substance use disorder (SUD) who visit the emergency department or are hospitalized. 

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August 27, 2018

Peer Support is Trending in Ontario


It can be said that peer support in Ontario is developing in new directions recognized in the mainstream.

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September 15, 2017

The Brave New World of Health Quality Standards


The other day, I participated in a webinar for a draft presentation of Quality Standards of Care for Schizophrenia in the Community. As an individual with lived experience, my viewpoint was decidedly more prosecutorial than others in attendance. Why is that?

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