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Peer Support Program

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Home / Peer Support / Peer Support

Caregiving can be emotionally, physically, and mentally demanding. If you feel anxious and overwhelmed by your caregiving responsibilities, you’re not alone.

Peer support provides emotional support and encouragement based on shared experiences.

Our Peer Support Program offers a safe and non-judgemental space for caregivers to discuss their concerns and share their experiences with someone who understands.

Two Ways to Get Support

The OCO offers two ways for caregivers to connect with peers for support, our 1:1 Peer Support Program and our Online Support Groups.

1:1 Peer Support Program
Online Support Groups

1:1 Peer Support 

  •

    The program matches you with a trained volunteer Peer Mentor to connect with through regular phone calls. Here’s how to get started. 

    1. Register

    Your registration will help us understand if the 1:1 Peer Support Program is the right fit for your needs. The Program Lead for Peer Support will reach out to you directly to guide you through the process. All program participants are required to sign a Confidentiality Pledge to ensure your conversations remain private and confidential.

    2. Select a Peer Mentor

    You will be given the opportunity to learn more about our available Peer Mentors and select who you would like to speak with.

    3. Connect

    Your volunteer Peer Mentor will reach out to you by phone to connect directly. In speaking with your Peer Mentor, you will have the opportunity to share your experiences, gain insight, and learn from someone who has been where you are.

    Register Now

Online support groups

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    Join a supportive community of caregivers to share your challenges, successes, and concerns in your caregiving journey.

    Each Online Support Group is led by two trained peer facilitators who have lived experience as a caregiver. In these groups, you will hear a range of caregiving stories including different health conditions and unique relationships with the individual they care for.

     

    Register Here

     

    Here’s our current Online Support Group schedule:

    • Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EST: first and third week of the month
    • Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. EST: Second and fourth week of the month
    • Thursday,2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST: First and third week of the month
    • Thursday, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST: First and third week of the month
    • Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. EST: First and third Friday of the month  (*Note: This support group is currently full. Join the waitlist by e-mailing peersupport@ontariocaregiver.ca.)

     

    We offer three specialized Online Support Groups:

    Young Caregiver Online Support Group

    When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. EST (biweekly)

    This group is for young caregivers aged 15 to 25 to discuss the unique challenges of balancing school, work, friends, relationships, and caregiving.

     

    French Online Support Group

    This group is for French-speaking caregivers in Ontario. It will run on an adjusted schedule based on registration. If you are interested in joining, please e-mail us at peersupport@ontariocaregiver.ca.

    Change in Caregiver Identity Support Group 

    When: Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. EST (First and the third Wednesday of the month)

    This group is for experienced caregivers whose role has changed, such as when the person they care for no longer needs support, moved to a different type of care, transitioned to end-of-life care, or has passed away. This group focuses on the emotions and experiences caregivers may encounter as they adjust to life after caregiving.

    Discussions are led by participants and may explore topics like navigating identity as a caregiver, dealing with feelings of loss, sadness, and finding new purpose. While feelings of grief and sadness are welcome, the group is not focused on grief or bereavement counselling but rather offers validation and support as you process these changes.

     

    Please note that all Online Support Groups are only for caregivers seeking support. To ensure a safe and supportive space, students, trainees, researchers, or individuals looking to learn about caregiving will not be admitted, but are welcome to explore our resources and information at ontariocaregiver.ca.

    If you need help with the registration form or have any questions, please email us at peersupport@ontariocaregiver.ca.

    You will receive a confirmation email within 3 to 5 business days after registering for your chosen Online Support Group.

     

     

    You will receive a confirmation email within 3 to 5 business days after registering for your chosen Online Support Group.

Additional Support for Families

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    OCO provides capacity building grants to caregivers needing support through Family Support Networks (FSNs) in Ontario- peer-based groups for family members and other unpaid caregivers who are supporting adults living with developmental disabilities. This program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).

    Learn more about Capacity Building Grants
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Peer Support Participant

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The 1:1 Peer Support Program Was an Amazing Experience  

“The peer mentor program and Elaine really helped me get through some tough times. Elaine was an excellent mentor and was very open to sharing her experience. She was supportive, a great listener and directed me to a few groups (Alzheimer’s society) which provided me with resources to help me through the journey. She was always available if I needed to talk or if I needed some help knowing where to go next.”

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I am a Caregiver Toolkit
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Most of us, at some point in our lives, will be a caregiver to someone close to us. A caregiver provides physical and/or emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour. Who do you care for?