{"id":34,"date":"2020-07-20T16:42:21","date_gmt":"2020-07-20T20:42:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontariocaregiver.ca\/peersupport\/?page_id=34"},"modified":"2025-10-23T14:39:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T18:39:16","slug":"become-a-peer-mentor","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ontariocaregiver.ca\/peersupport\/become-a-peer-mentor\/","title":{"rendered":"Become a Peer Mentor"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Become a Peer Mentor<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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As an experienced caregiver, you know how important it is to have a sounding board; a sympathetic ear to listen to your thoughts and someone who understands what it is like to be a caregiver. A caregiver who can listen, offer support, point you in the direction of the resources that you need, but most importantly, understands your situation.<\/p>\n

If you are interested in applying to be a Peer Mentor with the Ontario Caregiver Organization’s 1:1 Peer Support Program, please apply here. <\/a><\/strong>The Peer Support Lead can answer any questions you might have, guide you through your training and help you create a profile to be matched with another caregiver who needs you.<\/p>\n

We recommend that Peer Mentors are available for 1-2 hours per week<\/strong>, and we do ask Peer Mentors to commit to participating in the program for a minimum of one year<\/strong> and maintain regular contact<\/strong> with the Peer Support Program Lead during this time. During the initial phases of your match, we suggest that you connect with your caregiver Participant for roughly one hour each week to ensure that you are able to build a strong foundation to in your peer support relationship. As a phone based program, we welcome experienced caregiver volunteers from across Ontario. Our Peer Mentors (and caregiver Participants) are required to sign a Confidentiality Pledge<\/strong> to ensure privacy and confidentiality for everyone involved. We provide training<\/strong>, skill development<\/strong>, and peer-to-peer learning <\/strong>opportunities to our Peer Mentors on a regular basis.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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“I recently retired from the healthcare profession. My daughter is now 40 years of age and was diagnosed as having bipolar disorder in 2005 following an attempt to take her life. She lived with me until 2019, has been high functioning and is now in a group residence. This has provided her with the structure that she has needed, and I am finding some peace within myself and my life, although difficult at times for both of us. I have participated in support groups both as a participant and facilitator for many years, to find personal balance and get support that I have needed. Being a caregiver, especially as I was working fulltime was very challenging however, doable with supports.”<\/p><\/div>\n

Carole <\/h5><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Our Peer Mentors<\/h4>\n

My name is Nahlah and I\u2019m originally from Sweden but now I call Ontario, Canada my home. \r\n\r\nI joined the position as a peer mentor with the Ontario Caregiver Organization in 2020 as I wanted to offer support that I wish I would have had during my own caregiving experience. Caring for a close family member at a young age was a whole new world to enter with many obstacles and questions. However, it was equally one of the single most humbling experiences of my life and I wish I could have had the option of speaking to someone in a similar situation. \r\n\r\nHaving access to emotional support is essential when caring for someone. I understand that any caregiver faces challenges in regard to dealing with feelings such as guilt, loneliness, and lack of encouragement. Reaching out for help is a step in the right direction. \r\n\r\nI\u2019m committed to being a long-term supportive contact person to whomever feel they are in need. Verbally expressing your concerns, questions and experiences is a gateway to relieving the tension and stress that comes along with being a caregiver to someone you love. \r\n\r\nBeing part of the Ontario Caregiver Organization I participate in the various up skilling and informative initiative\u2019s they provide as to further my understanding of the challenges you might be facing. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\" Nahlah<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Become a Peer Mentor<\/h3>\n \n Sign Up<\/a>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

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