The Power of Peer Support
Living with a mental illness can make you feel isolated. Peer support is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Supporter has lived through that similar experience, and is trained to support others.
Peer Supporters listen, provide emotional support, and most importantly, inspire hope.
Peer Support Canada and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) joined together in early 2018 in an effort to expand peer support in this country. Both CMHA and Peer Support Canada value and believe in the power of community-based mental health services that include increased access to peer support where people live, work and play.
About CMHA NS Peer Support Groups:
- All peer support groups are held in a safe and respectful space
- All discussions are confidential and private
- There is no fee to attend
- People can attend any meeting
Current Peer Support Programs
Currently CMHA NS Division runs two regular peer support groups. These groups are facilitated by CMHA NS employees and volunteers and take place in a virtual setting or in-person (based on COVID Safety protocol.)
Men’s Peer Support Group
About: For those who identify as male, it can feel challenging to talk about mental health. The Canadian Mental Health Association of Nova Scotia is here to help. Our weekly Men’s Peer Support group is a safe space for those who identify as male to discuss whatever difficulties or hardships they are experiencing. Issues might include relationships, family break-up, Employment challenges, or absolutely any other experiences you wish to share. The program will combine emotional support as well as practical information.
The program is led by experienced CMHA NS peer support facilitators, Keith Anderson and Glenn Rodgers.
Whether you are struggling or just need to talk something out, we invite you to join Keith and Glenn at 7 p.m., Wednesdays via ZOOM, as they create a safe place for this conversation from a place of lived experience. Newcomers are welcome!
This group is:
- Confidential
- COVID Safe
- Non-Judgemental
- Non-clinical
What does non-clinical mean? Non-clinical services are therapeutic, but relate to providing resource information, education, screening, and support until a professional health care provider can make appropriate referrals (if necessary) to primary care or formalized health care services.
Details:
Schedule: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. AST
Where: This is a virtual program held over Zoom.
Eligibility: This program is open to adults 19 years and older who identify as male.
Fee: No fee.
Application process: Registration required by emailing or calling.
Anyone interested in joining this group is asked to register by contacting Keith Anderson at keith.anderson@novascotia.cmha.ca
Meet the Facilitators:
Keith Anderson, (He/Him/il) | Peer Support Lead – Cape Breton
As the Provincial Peer Support Lead, Keith Anderson facilitates four main support groups with help from colleagues (Circle of Friends, the Men’s Peer Support, the Membertou Youth Peer Support and Parents’ Supporting Parents Peer Support Group). Keith has 13 years of experience working in the mental health field. He sits on numerous committees and working groups, including the CBRM Diversity Committee and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. Through his peer support work, Keith dedicates himself to making support systems available to others. When Keith is not working, he likes to go for walks, spend time at the gym, read, and travel.
Contact Info: Email: keith.anderson@novascotia.cmha.ca | Phone: 1.877.466.6606 ext. 103 | Cell: 782.777.0090
Glenn Rodgers (He/Him/il) | Education and Training Coordinator
As the Education and Training Coordinator, Glenn Rodgers works to develop, adapt, and deliver workshops dealing with mental health issues. In addition to his day-to-day work, he co-facilitates a Men’s Peer Support group once a week alongside Keith Anderson. With ten plus years in the mental health field, Glenn is very passionate about the work he does. Glenn enjoys educating people and raising awareness around the issues and stigmas surrounding mental illness. If the secret to a good life is to find a career that you enjoy, Glenn has found it. When not working Glenn can be found spending time with family and friends, woodworking, reading, and watching soccer.
Contact Info: Email: glenn.rodgers@novascotia.cmha.ca | Phone: 1.877.466.6606 ext. 402
Circle of Friends
About: Explore friendship and communication in a new way. Strong friendships give us the power to be our true selves; when we have strong friendships, we feel respected and valued. This guided peer support group will help you learn about yourself, what you say, the way you act, and how your actions can affect relationships with others. Focusing on these aspects, helps us gain confidence in our relationships and we will be more likely to achieve our friendship goals. Connect with us at the Circle of Friends, meet new people, build friendships, and discover peer support in a new way. CMHA Circle of Friends offers a safe, confidential place for peers to connect and share their journeys as they offer peer support to one-another.
This group:
- Is a safe and accepting space for people with mental health challenges to meet, share, and learn.
- Supports vulnerable people due to the isolation created by Covid-19.
- Allows people to meet new people, build friendships and relationships.
- Creates opportunities to meet new people, build friendships, and relationships.
To learn more or register contact: Keith Anderson, Peer Support Lead at keith.anderson@novascotia.cmha.ca or Dawn Scott, Peer Support Facilitator at dawn.scott@novascotia.cmha.ca
Details:
Who Should Attend? This workshop is for everyone.
Type: This is a virtual workshop offered over Zoom.
Schedule: Every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. AST
Meet the Facilitators
Keith Anderson, (He/Him/il) | Peer Support Lead – Cape Breton
As the Provincial Peer Support Lead, Keith Anderson facilitates four main support groups with help from colleagues (Circle of Friends, the Men’s Peer Support, the Membertou Youth Peer Support and Parents’ Supporting Parents Peer Support Group). Keith has 13 years of experience working in the mental health field. He sits on numerous committees and working groups, including the CBRM Diversity Committee and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. Through his peer support work, Keith dedicates himself to making support systems available to others. When Keith is not working, he likes to go for walks, spend time at the gym, read, and travel.
Contact Info: Email: keith.anderson@novascotia.cmha.ca | Phone: 1.877.466.6606 ext. 103 | Cell: 782.777.0090
Dawn Scott, (She/Her/Elle) | Peer Support Program Facilitator – Annapolis County
As a Peer Support Facilitator, Dawn Scott works closely with communities to provide them with the right supports. With 35 years of experience in the mental health field Dawn has dedicated much of her career to mental health because she finds a profound sense of purpose and satisfaction in the work. In addition, Dawn is highly active involunteering with Kings Theatre and the Annapolis District Drama Group. Whether it’s acting, directing plays, or scooping popcorn – she’s grateful to have so much fun connecting with her community!When she’s not working Dawn can often be found swimming, paddling, or cycling around Nova Scotia’s shores and lakes.
Contact Info: Email: dawn.scott@novascotia.cmha.ca | Cell: 782-232-2695
Peer Support Groups we have offered:
- Parents Peer Support Group
- Membertou Youth Peer Support Group (Partnership with Membertou First Nation)
- The Other Guys (Partnership with Community Cares Youth Outreach)
- Women’s Empowerment Squad (Partnership with Community Cares Youth Outreach)
Do you have an idea for a peer support group? Contact our Peer Support Lead, Keith Anderson with your idea at keith.anderson@novascotia.cmha.ca