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 |
Referral Forms
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
-
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
Number of years at BCHS: 3 months
Number of years in healthcare: 6
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.
Outside work: I enjoy spending time with family especially my niece. Shopping, listening to music, walking, organizing events, and home decor are some of my favourite pastimes.
Julie Gurney, Cardiovascular Technologist, Cardiac Diagnostics
Number of years at BCHS: 20
Number of years in healthcare: 20
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.
Outside work: I enjoy reading, gardening, being in nature or on/near water, yoga, time spent with family and friends.
Tanya McDonald, Senior Consultant, Organizational Development
Number of years at BCHS: 21
Number of years in healthcare: 22
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
Outside work: I love spending time with my boys, cooking, biking, hiking, and reading.
Taryn Carriere, RN, Operating Room
Number of years at BCHS: 17
Number of years in healthcare: 18
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.
Outside work: I can be found spending time with family and friends and running.
Sara Revelle, RN, Navigation
Number of years at BCHS: 4
Number of years in healthcare: 29
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.
Outside work: I enjoy anything outside, my dogs, cottaging, fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, gardening, DIY, horseback riding, travelling (even if it’s just a day trip) detective type TV show as well as, unfortunately some reality TV shows, decorating my home and reno/remodel. Any time I get with my 4 kids, spouse, nieces, sisters and parents.
Stephanie Ackland, RN, Critical Care
Number of years at BCHS: 15
Number of years in healthcare: 15
What does Peer Support mean to me? Healthcare is a difficult sector to work in at any time, and the past few years especially have brought with them unimaginable challenges to so many aspects of what we do here at BCHS. I hope that the Peer Support Team will be a valuable resource for the people in our building when they are faced with these challenges and need to reach out to a person who understands the context of their experience.
Outside work: I love spending time with my family, farming, riding and training horses, and being outdoors.
Neeraj (Raj) Sharma, Risk Consultant, Quality and Risk
Number of years at BCHS: 4
Number of years in healthcare: 18
What does Peer Support mean to me? The Peer Support program is a commitment to support all employees at BCHS. It is about providing the right support at the right time, to ensure overall staff wellness.
Outside work: I enjoy travel, biking, soccer, the Toronto Raptors, and whatever my kids need me to do (and let me do!)
Pamela Axisa, Charge Nurse, C5
Number of years at BCHS: 14
Number of years in healthcare: 15
What does Peer Support mean to me? Peer Support is being a listening ear to my colleagues and peers during a stressful or challenging time. Being able to offer support and encouragement to get through a difficult time that had them reaching out to the peer support team.
Outside work: I am a mom of 2 young boys so I am busy being a multi-sport cheerleader when I am not at work. I also enjoy spending time with my friends having coffee, playing golf or going for walks.
Lori McMorran, Interim Clinical Manager, B2 Rehabilitation & Float Team
Number of years at BCHS: 3
Number of years in healthcare: 10
What does Peer Support mean to me? The ability to support my colleagues in a non-judgemental and confidential way. The ability to use my experience and knowledge to provide comfort to my peers during difficult times.
Outside work: I love Peloton Spin (Cody is the BEST!) Hiking. Cooking and entertaining -spending time nourishing my friends and family with good food and positive vibes.
Lana Dunlop, Manager, Access and Flow
Number of years at BCHS: 2.5
Number of years in healthcare: 35
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.
Outside work: I enjoy spending time gardening, decorating, and volunteering.
Kathy Smith, RN, Operating Room
Number of years at BCHS: 12
Number of years in healthcare: 29
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.
Outside work: I can be found crafting and spending time with my three shih tzus: Lucy, Ella, and Gracie.
Kathy Sladic, Analyst, Decision Support
Number of years at BCHS: 2.5
Number of years in healthcare: 30
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.
Outside work: I enjoy gardening, reading, and spending time with my pets.
Danielle Devries, RN, Critical Care
Number of years at BCHS: 6
Number of years in healthcare: 8
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.
Outside work: I enjoy playing piano, reading, swimming, hiking, canoeing, camping, spending time with family and friends, and snuggling my cat!
Brandi Dunford, Assistant/Scheduler, Environmental Services
Number of years at BCHS: 10
Number of years in healthcare: 12
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.
Outside work: I enjoy working out, crafting, reading, and friendly gatherings.