Peer Training and Development

For people with lived experience of substance use, reconnecting with the community can be difficult. In our Peer Training and Development program, people gain valuable mentoring and harm reduction training, bringing structure to their lives and restoring their independence. Peers use those skills in paid work placements to deliver life-saving support to other people in the community who are facing similar challenges.

Eligibility

To apply, people must:

Identify with having lived experience related to substance use; and
Either:
- Use Urban Health & Homelessness Services programs at The Neighbourhood Group; or
- Live in Supportive Housing for people with Problematic Substance Use (SHPPSU partnership)

Free

Training Sessions

There are 20 sessions, two sessions per week. Each session is two hours.

2025 Application Dates

We are accepting applications between:

April 7 to 14, 2025
July 21 to 28, 2025
November 24 to December 1, 2025

At the Peer Leadership Centre, peers get:

Training: 20 sessions focusing on empathy, harm reduction, boundaries, conflict resolution and advocacy. Honoraria is offered for each session that is attended.
Paid Work Placement: Short-term (3 to 5 hours per week) paid placement opportunities for program graduates at drop-ins, harm reduction services, and supportive housing
Support: Weekly peer group debriefing, personal goal development and regular check-ins with staff

FAQs

Are peers paid for their work?
Yes! Peers are paid for their work placements, and receive a small honorarium for attending all training sessions.

At the Peer Leadership Centre, peers get:

FAQs

For more information, contact

Peer Leadership Centre

Resources

Peers in Emergency Departments (ED)

SafeSpot

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