Peer-2-Peer Program
We take big ideas developed by and for People With Lived/Living Expertise and apply on-the-ground, root-cause solutions that are peer-led and professionally supported.
Peer
PEH / PUD
- Person Who Is Experiencing Homelessness
- Person Who Uses Drugs
Peer
Pathfinder
- Living Expertise
- Community Connection
Peer
PEH / PUD
- Person Who Is Experiencing Homelessness
- Person Who Uses Drugs
Peer
Pathfinder
- Living Expertise
- Community Connection
Issues
- Engagement of PWLE
- Substance Use
- Mental Health
- Toxic Drug Poisoning
- Stigma
- Homelessness
Solutions
- Harm Reduction
- Trauma and Violence-Informed Care
- Recognition, Compensation & Support
- Capacity Building
- Evidence-Informed
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Dignity-Centered
- Nothing About Us, Without Us
Values
- Empowerment
- Belonging
- Courage
- Trust
- Learning
- Empowerment
- Belonging
- Courage
- Trust
- Learning
Partners
- R.O.C.K.
- United Way Of Chatham-Kent
- Women United
- Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
- Chatham-Kent Children’s Services
- CK Public Health
- Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre
- Ska:na Family Learning Centre
Nothing about us, without us.
The Peer-2-Peer (P2P) project began in November 2020 when community agencies identified a significant gap in Chatham-Kent (CK) around peer engagement.
To better understand the needs of people with lived/living expertise of substance use and homelessness (PWLE/PWUD) a support team was created.
PWLE who fulfill informal roles as leaders and caregivers in their communities were engaged to join the project.
Over the past years, the project team has met on a weekly basis and peer engagement activities occur in various ways.
“But I think what we are most proud of is something that cannot be measured or described in a report. It has to be felt and experienced whole heartedly. And that is the relationships and trust that we have and continue to build.”
“I feel like I have finally found my calling and that people are actually listening. I feel like I was born to do this work.”
“I didn’t know I could talk like that in a room full of people. I’ve always been taught don’t speak unless you are spoken to and to mind my own business. I didn’t know I could speak and people would listen and what I say would matter… I feel like a new person, people have told me that I am changing. I feel like I am able to really help people… I feel like I found my voice; found my purpose.”