Peer Support Program
The BCHS Peer Support Program is an emotional support program that works to improve the psychological health and safety, resiliency, well-being, and sustainability of all employees, volunteers, and learners at Brant Community Healthcare System. Peer support is not a substitute for counseling or Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), rather is recognized as one part of a continuum of mental health and wellness support.
Our program operates weekdays 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. with 24/7 referral access, and is available to all staff, professional staff and volunteers at BCHS.
Mission
Working together to support and encourage each other to build a healthier team.
Vision
Peer to peer, here to support.
Values
- Health and wellness - using our shared experience to help navigate and provide resources and support to manage health and wellness.
- Empowerment - we find the courage to triumph by encouraging each other to maximize our strength and abilities.
- Respect and Dignity - creating a safe environment that acknowledges the intrinsic worth of all individuals.
- Equity - strive to meet individual needs.
Quick links:
Why Peer Support?
Peer support can be influential in reducing distress and encouraging resilience. Peers provide support through their shared experiences and provide resources needed to help.
The Peer Support Program provides confidential individual or group support and outreach by listening, engaging in supportive discussions and/or debriefing following a distressing or emotional event. Peers provide empathy and support to make an impact on your wellness journey.
Trained Peers
The Peer Support Team is comprised of individuals who work in the healthcare system, both clinical and non-clinical, who are trained to provide compassionate support and resources or referrals. The team members have certifications in Critical Incident Stress Management training and a variety of other personal and professional experiences to help support employees, professional staff, volunteers and learners.
Services
Peer Support vs. Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Peer Support Program | Employee & Family Assistance Program |
---|---|
Internal Support | External Support |
Non-judgmental, confidential support from coworkers | Confidential, professional, master-level clinicians providing short-term counselling |
Peers have lived experience within BCHS and understand BCHS culture | Additional professional services available: lawyers, financial advisors, registered dieticians, naturopaths, elder care, child care |
In-person, virtual, phone, and email support | Counselling office, instant chat, video and virtual counselling |
Access to external resources | Access to external resources |
Referrals
To be referred to the Peer Support Program, please email peer.support@bchsys.org or call ext. 4769 (GROW).
Click here for a flow chart of the referral process.
Contact Us
Email: peer.support@bchsys.org
Phone: (519)-751-5544 ext. 4769
Office: Brantford General Hospital E-Wing level 3, office 963 (right outside elevator)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mental Health and Wellness Resources
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Click here to download a helpful guide to mental health and wellness services at BCHS and throughout our community
- Visit the Wellness Committee webpage for additional wellness information and updates
Meet the Peers
Audrey Zheke, Peer Support and Wellness Coordinator
What does Peer Support mean to me? Peer support means providing social and emotional support to each other through shared experiences and knowledge. Sometimes it is great to talk to someone who understands my experiences.
Julie Gurney, Cardiovascular Technologist, Cardiac Diagnostics
What does Peer Support mean to me? Peer Support means being someone’s rock when they need help, being a light in the storm. Peer support means providing a listening ear and shoulder to cry on.
Tanya McDonald, Senior Consultant, Organizational Development
What does Peer Support mean to me? There are times when we are not at our best and we need support to help us through the rough patches. Whether it is a common understanding of the challenges of health care or navigating through life events, the peer support team offers compassionate, non-judgmental support and resources to help
Taryn Carriere, RN, Operating Room
What does Peer Support mean to me? Peer support means advocating and supporting friends and colleagues during the challenges of everyday life, providing reassurance and encouragement.
Sara Revelle, RN, Navigation
What does Peer Support mean to me? I have been involved in a lot of critical incidents in my career in both large community settings involving the hospital and 1:1 with peers. I feel like I learned so much from those experiences and had some amazing mentors along the way to help me through those, I would like to do the same for my peers here at BCHS.
Lana Dunlop, Manager, Access and Flow
What does Peer Support mean to me? Recognizing and supporting my peers in need and providing them with resources and tools to meet their needs. Keeping in touch by checking in after an event to know that someone cares about them.
Kathy Smith, RN, Operating Room
What does Peer Support mean to me? Peer Support means a compassionate, empathetic and support system to help a colleague, staff member or volunteer in a critical time in their lives. I will be there to guide them through “their” hurdles and help them move on to a productive lifestyle.
Kathy Sladic, Analyst, Decision Support
What does Peer Support mean to me? For myself, Peer Support means providing support to our peers who may be experiencing a difficult event or issue, within a safe environment. Being able to offer hope when hope may feel elusive.
Danielle Devries, RN, Critical Care
What does Peer Support mean to me? Peer support means employees supporting one another throughout the most difficult times in our lives, whether personal, or professional. It means guiding each other through our struggles, to become better, stronger people.
Brandi Dunford, Assistant/Scheduler, Environmental Services
What does Peer Support mean to me? Being there to help others when in need, and supporting others by talking things out and finding solutions.