Making a Difference
To Engage Peer Support Culture to Inspire Hope and Strengthen Resiliency
Member Spotlight
MaryLou
Hi, my name is MaryLou and I am semi-retired as a peer support trainer
with Canadian Mental Health - Calgary. I am currently a part-time florist
but stay connected to peer support through the WCPTS. I am a certified
peer support specialist for life!
I was challenged by my mental health since a very young age, rebelling
and becoming involved
Hi, my name is MaryLou and I am semi-retired as a peer support trainer
with Canadian Mental Health - Calgary. I am currently a part-time florist
but stay connected to peer support through the WCPTS. I am a certified
peer support specialist for life!
I was challenged by my mental health since a very young age, rebelling
and becoming involved in street life, finishing high school after
graduation, becoming a single mom, and that - changed my life!
Becoming a mom, rebuilding relationships, getting counselling, and
going back to school began my recovery. I managed to complete two
undergrad degrees in Psychology and Religious Studies, and two
Masters degrees - one in Adult Continuing Education, and a Master of
Theological Studies. Thus began a career journey working with street
people, inmates, the differently abled, and university and college
students, until I finally dedicated my career to peer support in mental
health.
I have seen and experienced peer support in motion, and watched lives
expand with understanding, surpassing self-imposed and clinical
limitations - opening myself and others to new insight and abilities. Peer
support is the bridge from isolation to connection, it is the realization that
“I am enough.”
As I continue to walk within and towards wellness, I stay connected to
counselling and the peer support of my friendships. Peer support is a
way of life, a way to communicate, a journey of respect and support. Let
us all walk forward in our journeys, crossing paths with peers, and
staying strong and open to new discoveries in others, and ourselves.
Annual Membership Options
Membership Length - 1 year
NOTE: All memberships purchased after the November AGM will be good from the time of membership until December 31st the end of the following year.
$5 - Volunteer Voting Member
In kind donation of 15 hours , attendance at a minimum 5 meetings per year plus attendance at the AGM.
$25 Education Voting Member
Includes access to all education capsules for the year. (There is no tax receipt for membership fees).
Your Contribution Makes A Difference!
Putting Your Training to Work
Phase 2 expands opportunities for peer support work experience, as Phase 1 showed that training subsidies alone may not be enough to connect financially challenged learners with a peer support position. On-the-job experience is often required to secure a peer supporter role and break the cycle of exclusion that can leave peers isolated and hinder their development.
CanadaHelps.org
WCPTS is proud to be registered with CanadaHelps.org. Click the button below to donate and receive your tax receipt immediately for donations of $20 or more.
$20 or more - Friend of the Society includes tax receipt
$100 or more - Supporting Community Partner includes tax receipt and recognition if desired
$800 - Sponsor one practicum placement includes tax receipt and recognition if desired
Registered Charitable Number: 79300 5117 RR0001
Peer Support is Proven to Be Effective in These Ways
Lived Experience
Saves $ Spent on Mental Health
Saves $ Spent on Mental Health
"Lived experience" refers to the personal knowledge gained from being directly impacted by a specific situation or circumstance. In healthcare, it specifically applies to individuals who have experienced life-altering health conditions, relied heavily on secondary health services, and faced power imbalances within the healthcare system. This perspective is valuable and offers unique insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers.
Saves $ Spent on Mental Health
Saves $ Spent on Mental Health
Saves $ Spent on Mental Health
Peer support services offer practical experience, emotional support, and encouragement to individuals with similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and improving mental health outcomes. Studies have found that incorporating peer support into mental health services is cost-effective and reduces the burden on the mental health system, making it an essential component of community-based mental health care.
Practicum Mentorship
Monthly Community of Practice
Monthly Community of Practice
A mentor is an experienced peer who models recovery, encourages self-care, connects with peers, and develops supportive relationships to motivate and support their peers in the work place.
Monthly Community of Practice
Monthly Community of Practice
Monthly Community of Practice
Join us to deepen your expertise in peer support by interacting with others who do the same thing!
- Share your wisdom and experience
- Learn from others
- Build relationships
- Remember you are not alone
Details
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 noon
LOCATION: The Summit - 1015 - 17th Street NW, Calgary, AB
- Meet in Room 1011 - Innovation Space A
- Parking is available for free on the street.
- Paid parking is past the main entrance on the right.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Link: https://albertahealthservices.zoom.us/j/63518129999?pwd=MVVINUJIMkxxeEdZdnVqMGhmei9wdz09
Meeting ID: 635 1812 9999
Passcode: 529417
Please call or text Debbie Wiebe at
403-862-4783 to confirm your attendance.
Our Generous Donors 2021-2025
