Working together to support and encourage each other to build a healthier team.
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.
Service Highlights
- Critical incident stress debriefings
- In-person, phone, or virtual support
- Consultation support
- Group debriefs after critical incident
- Mental health and wellness resources
- Confidential
- Voluntary service
Peer Support vs. Employee Family Assistance Program
|
Peer Support Program |
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) |
|
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 Counselling office, instant chat, video and virtual counselling |
| In-person, virtual, phone, and email support Access to external resources | Counselling office, instant chat, video and virtual counselling |
|
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: 519-751-5544 ext. 4769 (GROW)
Email: peer.support@bchsys.org
Office: 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.
Audrey Zheke
Peer Support and Wellness Coordinator
Julie Gurney
Cardiovascular Technologist, Cardiac Diagnostics
Tanya McDonald
Senior Consultant, Organizational Development
Kathy Sladic
Analyst, Decision Support
Sara Revelle
Clinical Manager, Access & Flow, EAU
Brandi Dunford
Assistant/Scheduler, Environmental Services
Rebecca Hillhorst
RN, Emergency
Kara Buchwald
Labour Relations Coordinator, Human Resources
Ajibola Salami
RN, Central Resources Team
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 Health and Wellness webpage for additional wellness information and updates
Contact Us
The Brantford General
200 Terrace Hill Street
Brantford, ON
N3R 1G9
519-751-5544
The Willett, Paris
238 Grand River St. North
Paris, ON
N3L 2N7
519-442-2251
Support the BCHS Foundation
The BCHS Foundation is committed to raising critical funds to support the top priority needs of the Brantford General Hospital and the Willett Urgent Care Centre.