The Peer Mentoring Program is about self-determination, support and empowerment. At PsyGenics, we believe in the core value that people who receive support from the public mental health system due to a disability should be able to define what they need in life and should have access to meaningful choices and ultimately should have control over their lives.
A Peer Mentor is a person with a developmental disability who has learned successful life strategies through their own experiences.
A Peer Mentor differs from a counselor or supports coordinator. A Peer Mentor offers first hand experiences on how to use community mental health services and resources available to people with disabilities.
Peer Mentors can help guide you towards greater self -advocacy, empowerment, and personal responsibilities for their own success.
Services may include:
- Benefits Planning
- Supported Employment
- Housing
- Transportation
- Post-secondary Education
- Moving towards independence
- Recreation/Community Participation
- Person Centered Planning
- Independent Facilitation
- Build bridges to people and resources within your community
- Help you help yourself
- Offer empathy, not sympathy
- Assist you in building your own independent lifestyle
- Encouragement and support through their own experiences
- Help you take control of your own lives
- Can help you with your Person Centered Plan goals
Peer Mentoring is available to you in addition to all of the other services you may receive. A Peer Mentor does not replace supports coordination but rather supports the entire team and consumer. – “Instead of giving myself reasons why I can’t, I give myself reasons why I can” – Anonymous
