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woman standing in front of Toronto Western Hospital sign
The lack of trust in health care systems and professionals severely impacts the health of people who are homeless and have substance use or mental health issues. By placing Peer workers in emergency departments, we help people receive the care they need. Peer workers use their lived experience and training to connect with people and remove barriers to effective health care.
 
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Locations
  • Toronto Western Hospital
  • Toronto General Hospital

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This leading-edge program was developed in partnership with the University Health Network’s (UHN) Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine.

FAQs

  • How do Peer Support Workers help?
    Our peer workers have lived experience with substance use and homelessness. They understand first-hand how to deal with complex health and social challenges faced by people who are going through what the peers did. Peer workers are able to provide one-to-one emotional and social support, share knowledge and act as mentors and advocates to the people they help. By building a level of trust, they are able to encourage people to engage with health care systems.

For more information, contact

Peers in Emergency Departments

Michael Omar Waglay
michael.waglay@tngcs.org
437.361.6190

young woman standing in front of Toronto Western Hospital sign
Urban Health & Homelessness

Yara's story: Peer health

Resources