Making a Difference
To Engage Peer Support Culture to Inspire Hope and Strengthen Resiliency
Member Spotlight
John F. Gerrard
I am a multidisciplinary artist who merges mental health advocacy with my art and writing practice. In 2018, I trained as a peer support worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association, a transformative experience that greatly influenced my future writings about mental health and neurodivergence.
Art is my way of understanding both myse
I am a multidisciplinary artist who merges mental health advocacy with my art and writing practice. In 2018, I trained as a peer support worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association, a transformative experience that greatly influenced my future writings about mental health and neurodivergence.
Art is my way of understanding both myself and the world around me. I explore this through multiple mediums and disciplines, each offering its own lens for self-expression and discovery. Across all disciplines, my aim is to create work that feels honest and accessible, offering a space for both self-reflection and communication. I’ve written two books. We Make Clocks, Not Time: My Lived Experience With Psychosis, Creativity, and the Ideas That Have Helped Me and Reconstruction Quest: A Neurodivergent Journey.
Peer support is an important part of my life. From the support I give others to the support I receive from peers. It can be so powerful to make space for other people and give them the chance to develop and strengthen their voice. I strongly believe that the world could benefit from more peer support!
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, November 18th, 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
