Peer Support Program (PSP)
At some time in our lives, most of us have had the need to feel heard and supported while going through a period of doubt or difficulty. Having someone to talk to, who has gone through a similar situation in a safe space, can help your ability to cope with a difficult or stressful time in your life.
Sometimes all we need is someone who is there to listen and understands you.
This is where ESDC's Peer Supporters come in. Peer Supporters are employees who have faced mental health challenges and found a path to recovery. They have been carefully selected and trained to foster relationships of mutual trust and respect. They bring support, encouragement and hope.
The Peer Support Program (PSP) is available to all ESDC employees - students, casual, term and indeterminate, all groups and levels, regardless of whether you are in the workplace or on leave.
Confidentiality:
Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the PSP. A standard rule of confidentiality applies to all peer support activities as well as all individuals who are involved in the PSP. Names of peers and specific details about peer support discussions and interactions are kept confidential. The only time that a breach of confidentiality can occur is in matters of imminent danger and in accordance with one of the following three requirements:
- Imminent threat of harm to oneself; or
- Imminent threat of harm to others; or
- Suspicion of, or known, child abuse or serious neglect.
About Peer Supporters
Find a Peer Supporter
Promotional Materials
Questions and Answers
Contact the PSP Office
Become a Peer Supporter
About Peer Supporters
Peer Supporters are ESDC volunteer employees who:
- have gone through a mental health situation;
- have been carefully selected and trained to foster relationships of mutual trust and respect;
- are empathetic, respectful and authentic;
- offer support, in a confidential environment, to employees who are experiencing mental health challenges.Footnote *
- listen, without judgment, and share their personal experiences to give hope and inspiration to others.
Do you...
- feel like sharing in a safe space, where you feel heard, without judgment, and free to discuss issues occurring in your life?
- feel overwhelmed?
- observe changes in your mood and behaviors as described in the Mental Health Continuum?
If you recognize yourself in these statements, you may want to talk to a Peer Supporter. There is no form to fill out, all you have to do is select someone who perhaps has experienced something similar to what you are going through, and reach out to them directly, regardless of your location.
Reaching out does not commit you to anything, so why not try it!
Contact the PSP Office
If you have any questions, issues, or concerns regarding the PSP, please contact the National PSP Office:
- Mélanie Charbonneau
-
Program Lead
Telephone: (873) 455-1956 - Melanie Akins
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Coordinator, Office of the Peer Support Program
Telephone: (343) 552-8365 - Tina Whitmore
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HR Manager
Telephone: (873) 396-2677
You can also e-mail the PSP generic inbox: NC-HR-RH-PSP-GD.
Become a Peer Supporter
The application period is presently closed
Have you experienced a mental health challenge in your life or played a supportive role for a loved one who has struggled with mental health issues? likeDo you think your experience could benefit other people? If you have an interest in providing support to others, please apply to become a Peer Supporter
Visit the PSP page regularly, to find out when the next recruiting and training opportunities becomes available. A corporate message will be sent to all employees letting them know the period to apply is open. We will be happy to review your application during that time. Stay tuned for more information.
For more information on the Peer Support Program:
- ESDC Peer Support Program Governance
- ESDC Peer Support Program Steering Committee's Terms of Reference
While the PSP provides support to all employees for their own personal mental health related challenges, the Manager to Manager (M2M) provides support to managers seeking support to help sustain a psychologically healthy and safe workplace for their employees.