Edith Lafrenière

Edith Lafrenière

50 Président Kennedy Street
Lévis, Québec G6V 6W8
edith.lafreniere@servicecanada.gc.ca
418-830-3714

Group and Level:

PM-03

Branch:

Citizen Services Branch (CSB)

Work Environment:

Providing Services to Public (e.g., Call Centre, Front Line)

Language:

French

Preferred method of Communication:

Lync, Email, Telephone

Peer Supporter Identifies As:

• Woman

Areas of Life Experience In Dealing With:

• Conflicts at home or with other employees
• Depression / Mental health difficulties
• Family issues
• Gender-related issues
• Sickness
• Stress / burnout
• Suicide / Loss of a loved one
• Other: mourning

Brief Description of Life Experience related to Mental Health:

Fifteen years ago, before working at Passport Canada and Citizen Services (where I currently work), I graduated with a degree in social work and improved my skills in a support centre for women (which helped women dealing with issues involving violence, poverty, isolation and family), and the Direction de la Protection de la Jeunesse et en réadaptation physique. When deciding to get involved as a peer supporter, it was important to me that I sit down and identify my own challenges: child abuse, attempted suicide as a teenager, depression, postpartum depression, miscarriage, property damage…I also understood that my desire to be a superwoman dates back a long time and is something I’ve often used as a defence mechanism. As I reflected, I realized that today, I feel good in my skin and in my life and I am ready to help others! I accentuate the positive, find the humour in things and look for moments of gratitude every day. My current life is divided between my family and my work and recently I’ve really tried to incorporate physical fitness! I’d like to sit down with you and hear what you have to say, understand your needs and your reality and help you on your path. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!