Making a Difference
To Engage Peer Support Culture to Inspire Hope and Strengthen Resiliency
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To Engage Peer Support Culture to Inspire Hope and Strengthen Resiliency
My name is John F. Gerrard. I am an artist and mental health advocate who was trained as a peer supporter by the Canadian Mental Health Association in 2018.
I’m passionate about the power of community and connection and believe that when people have hope and space to express themselves, they can thrive.
Art has always been a huge part o
My name is John F. Gerrard. I am an artist and mental health advocate who was trained as a peer supporter by the Canadian Mental Health Association in 2018.
I’m passionate about the power of community and connection and believe that when people have hope and space to express themselves, they can thrive.
Art has always been a huge part of my identity and has also served as a tool in my recovery. A couple of years ago, I wrote my first book, We Make Clocks, Not Time: My Lived Experience with Psychosis, Creativity, and the Ideas That Have Helped Me.
I recently finished my second book, Reconstruction Quest: A Neurodivergent Journey: Where the Story I Write, Writes Me. This new book is focused on stories from my past that relate to mental health, as well as ideas that I’ve been wrestling with while studying peer support.
As I grow my practice, I’m committed to further my knowledge of peer support and to continue to deepen my understanding of what it means to be a mental health specialist with lived experience. Follow my journey by checking out my Instagram or my website. https://www.instagram.com/john_f_gerrard and http://johnfgerrard.com.
Sincerely,
John F. Gerrard
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.
In kind donation of 15 hours , attendance at a minimum 5 meetings per year plus attendance at the AGM.
Includes access to all education capsules for the year. (There is no tax receipt for membership fees).
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.
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
"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.
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.
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.
Join us to deepen your expertise in peer support by interacting with others who do the same thing!
Details
COP is the 3rd Tuesday of Every Month
Time: 10:30 - 12:00 (MST)
Location: Central Library located at 800 3rd St. SE
(directly East of City of Hall)
located on the 3rd floor in room 320-C
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.
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Copyright © 2023 Western Canada Peer Training Society - All Rights Reserved. Paintings by John F. Gerrard.
Registered Charitable Number: 79300 5117 RR0001