Global Peer Support Celebration Day

We asked current and former peers, as well as our Community Peer Support Workers, to share what peer support means to them. 

“Peer support can feel like less judgment because someone has been where they are, so the pressure is off to try to appear ‘well’. I could share without worrying that I didn’t use the right words or know exactly what kind of help I needed. I could just talk. This is why peer support matters to me and why I chose to work in this field.” 

— Peer Support Worker, Mikhayla Judge 

For peer support workers, lived experience can become a source of strength and connection: 

“I feel useful to others by offering my understanding, care, attention, and insight. Being open about my own challenges and my story of recovery allows me to be a role model. I’m creating awareness about recovery with my coworkers and in my community, as well as with my peers. I know that I’m making a positive difference in my peers’ lives by being with them on their recovery journey. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” 

— Peer Support Worker, Ckhyamoj Glassford 

For those receiving support, having someone who listens and understands can make a meaningful difference: 

“I was in a bad place in my recovery journey when I met my Community Peer Support Worker.  Not only has she been a sounding board when I needed one, she gently challenges my unhelpful thoughts to help me reframe my way of thinking. I now feel seen and heard again. That has made me more confident and self-sufficient, as well as feeling like I know myself better.  The Peer Support program is AMAZING.” 

— Current Peer, A.B. 

Another peer shared: 

“I appreciate all our time together; working with my Community Peer Support Worker has greatly impacted my life and helped me move forward through important steps that have been overwhelming. They have helped me find confidence in myself that I am able to do it. They have also shown me it’s okay to still need help along the way and that I don’t have to push through challenges alone. This has helped me feel I’m a lot more capable than I ever thought I was. I am so grateful to have worked with my Community Peer Support Worker!” 

— Former Peer, R.L.D.