The Peer Program
The Peer Program offers an opportunity for people with lived/living experience of substance use to receive training, employment, and establish connections with local organizations, businesses & initiatives.
Peers make a valuable contribution to the anti-stigma work that the CAT engages in. We have found that sometimes we do not get to hear the stories or establish a connection with people with lived/living experience of substance use. We believe that hearing the stories and connecting with the people who live them, can open the eyes, hearts, and minds of our community.
The CAT Peer Program works with people with lived/living experience of substance-use. This program invites people from all stages of the substance-use path, ranging from active use to long term recovery.
The Peer program aims to give a platform to the many voices in our community who often go unheard.
“Everyone I talk to likes this program…If you know someone’s been there, they get it, you know?”
-Ray Goodwin, Peer Leader
Peer Participation Guidelines
• Peer workers are a positive example to the people we serve
• Peers need to be fully involved in the work being done (not just showing up)
• Peers present a positive image, engage with people ,and show others there is another aspect to their current lifestyle.
• Peers are expected to participate in the training modules provided
Our Commitment to Our Peer Partners
• Peers will be involved in identifying useful training opportunities or goals
• Peers will have a voice in how training is implemented
• Peers will be provided with clear expectations.
• Staff must provide regular check-ins to keep peers safe when doing their work, including a required "end of shift" check-in.
• If the peer wishes to speak to another professional, staff must be able to provide this for a peer.
•Peers will be given meaningful work, that encourages direct participation while, centring their experience & personal goals.
• Peers will be given a manageable, quality-focused workload.
• Staff is responsible ( but not liable) for peer well being during the working process.
• Staff will ensure that the work is appropriate for the peer individual and staff will not place a peer in a compromising position.
Job Opportunity!
We are currently looking for a
Peer Coordinator
to join our team
Our Peer Program is grounded in mutual respect and open communication
For more information about the Peer Program, please contact:
our team at
info@communityactioncr.ca