Leanne Borton

Mental Health Workplace-based Peer Support Program. A healthy and respectful workplace. It's everyone's responsibility.

Peer Supporter Biography

Leanne Borton

1350 16th Street East
Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 6N7
Lee.borton@servicecanada.gc.ca
519-375-8002

Group and Level:
PM-03
Branch:
Service Canada
Work Environment:
Providing Services to Public (e.g., Call Centre, Front Line)
Language:
English
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
  • Stress / burnout
  • Substance abuse

Brief Description of Life Experience:

Leaving an abusive relationship with an infant daughter almost 25 years ago was my biggest challenge and greatest accomplishment.  The abuse escalated after I left and was not limited to just me but also the child and my family.  My abuser was relentless; he harassed, stalked and threatened me for years and caused us extreme financial hardship by filing countless nonsense claims in court and thwarting his child support obligations.  My child had extreme behavioural issues and just recently I’ve been dealing with panic attacks and anxiety.  All said, it was not easy but I am proud to say I survived and my child is now a confident, strong young adult with a college education, a promising career.  We wear our scars proudly.

What got me through my darkest days was having a safe and soft place to land - someone to listen, understand and offer words of encouragement.  Being part of the peer support program gives me the opportunity to now give back to others.