PeerWorks Peer Support Core Essentials Training Program Winter 2027 Evening

The PeerWorks Peer Support Core Essentials™ Program is designed for individuals who are interested in developing the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness needed to provide peer support to others.

Before registering, it is important to understand the time commitment, attendance and participation requirements, and potential training outcomes to ensure this program is the right fit for you.

What Does the Training Involve?

The program consists of 17 two-hour modules delivered in a live, interactive online format.

Participants are expected to actively engage in:

• Individual and group exercises

• Trainer-led discussions

• Skills development and role-playing activities

• Readings and written reflections

• Homework assignments and peer support skills practice outside of scheduled sessions

In addition to attending the live sessions, participants are expected to complete assigned homework and demonstrate their understanding and application of the skills introduced throughout the training.

Attendance Policy – Please Read Before Registering

Attendance is mandatory at all 17 sessions. Participants must be available to attend and actively participate in the full program. While some material can be made up, not all content is recoverable, and missing classes may affect your training results.

We understand that unexpected situations may arise and that some absences may be beyond your control. However, the following attendance requirements apply:

• Participants may not miss more than two (2) classes in total throughout the program.

• Module 6: Cultural Competency, Module 8: Listening, and Module 9: Sharing are mandatory. These sessions focus on skills that are foundational to the practice of peer support. Missing any one of these modules will make a participant ineligible to receive a Level 1R recommendation.

• Missing classes, including those that may be made up, can affect a participant's final training outcome.

Please consider your availability carefully before registering. Participants are responsible for ensuring they can attend the scheduled sessions and meet the attendance requirements.

Understanding Training Outcomes

Completing the training does not automatically guarantee a passing result or certification. Trainers evaluate participants throughout the program. Evaluations consider attendance, participation, demonstrated skills, self-awareness, and readiness to provide peer support.

At the end of the 17-module training, participants will receive one of the following outcomes based on the trainers' assessment:

• Incomplete: A participant has not met the requirements to successfully complete the training. This may relate to attendance, participation, assignments, or demonstrated readiness.
• Level 1 – Friendship-Style Peer Support: The participant has attended and fully participated in the training and is considered appropriate, at this stage, to provide informal, friendship-style peer support.
• Level 1R – Recommended for Internship: The participant has successfully completed the training, and the trainers believe they may be ready to provide peer support in a more formalized setting. They are recommended to proceed to the next stage: an internship or practicum.

What Happens After Level 1R?

The internship takes place after the completion of the PeerWorks Peer Support Core Essentials™ Program and is available to participants who receive a Level 1R outcome.

The internship involves:

• Completing 50 hours of person-to-person peer support in an approved setting.

• Having the internship monitored and evaluated throughout the process.

• Submitting internship reports and evaluations at five intervals.

• Receiving support and guidance from PeerWorks staff throughout the internship.

PeerWorks Certified Peer Supporter: Participants who receive a Level 1R recommendation and successfully complete the 50-hour internship, meet all evaluation requirements, and fulfill the certification criteria may earn the PeerWorks Certified Peer Supporter designation.

Important Things to Understand

• The internship is a separate stage that takes place after the training; it is not part of the initial 17 modules.

• Not everyone who completes the training will receive a Level 1R recommendation.

• Participants who receive a Level 1 outcome have successfully completed the training but are not being recommended for an internship at that time.

• An internship is not mandatory for everyone who completes the training. It is required for those wishing to pursue PeerWorks Certified Peer Supporter certification.

• Receiving a Level 1R recommendation does not automatically guarantee certification. All internship and certification requirements must be successfully completed.

Before You Register: Is This the Right Time for You?

Peer support requires self-awareness, emotional readiness, and the ability to create a safe and supportive space for others.

Before completing your registration, please consider the following:

• Personal readiness: I feel I am far enough along in my own recovery and wellness journey to be in a position to support others.

• Attendance commitment: I understand the attendance policy, including the requirement to attend all 17 sessions, the limit of two absences, and the mandatory attendance requirements for Modules 6, 8, and 9.

• Time commitment: I have the time and capacity to attend the sessions and complete homework, readings, reflections, and skills practice outside of class.

• Participation: I am comfortable participating in discussions, individual and group exercises, and skills practice activities, including role-playing.

• Confidentiality and privacy: I can participate from a quiet, private, and confidential space where I can fully engage without interruptions and protect the privacy of other participants.

• Openness to feedback: I understand that trainers will assess my participation and readiness, and I am open to receiving feedback about my skills and areas for growth.

• Understanding of outcomes: I understand that completing the training does not guarantee a Level 1, Level 1R, or PeerWorks Certified Peer Supporter designation.

If you are unsure whether this training is the right fit for you at this time, we encourage you to reach out to info@peerworks.ca before registering.

Please note: No-shows are not eligible for a refund.

Accessibility and Registration Information

If you have accessibility requirements or need accommodations to participate in the training, please contact info@peerworks.ca before registering so we can discuss how best to support your participation.

Register