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 staff at the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS).
Through shared experiences, peers can provide support and resources which may be influential in reducing distress and encouraging balance.
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.
Our program operates weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with 24/7 referral access, and is available to all employees, professional staff, volunteers, and learners 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.
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 Contact Us |  Referral Process |  Meet the Peers |  More Resources |
Service Highlights
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Peer Support vs. Employee & Family Assistance Program
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Peer Support Program |
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) |
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Internal support |
External support | |
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Non-judgmental, confidential support from coworkers |
Confidential, professional, master-level clinicians providing short-term counselling | |
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Peers have lived experience within BCHS and understand BCHS culture |
Additional professional services available: lawyers, financial advisors, registered dieticians, naturopaths, elder care, child care Counselling office, instant chat, video and virtual counselling |
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| In-person, virtual, phone, and email support Access to external resources | Counselling office, instant chat, video and virtual counselling | |
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Access to external resources |
Access to external resources |
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.
Contact Us
| Phone: | Email: | Office: |
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519-751-5544 ext. 4769 (GROW) |
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Brantford General Hospital E-Wing level 3, Office #956 (Exit the elevator on Level 3, turn right, and walk down the hallway; Office #956 is at the end on the left side.) |
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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.
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.
| Meet the Peers | ||
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Audrey Zheke Peer Support and Wellness Coordinator
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Julie Gurney Cardiovascular Technologist, Cardiac Diagnostics |
Tanya McDonald Senior Consultant, Organizational Development |
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Taryn Carriere RN, Operating Room |
Sara Revelle Clinical Manager, Access & Flow, EAU |
Kathy Smith RN, Operating Room |
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Kathy Sladic Analyst, Decision Support
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Danielle Devries RN, Critical Care
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Brandi Dunford Assistant/Scheduler, Environmental Services |
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Rebecca Hillhorst RN, Emergency
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Kara Buchwald Labour Relations Coordinator, Human Resources |
Ajibola Salami RN, Central Resources Team
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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