Peer Worker Opportunities & Support

 

Current  Learning Platforms/ Support Groups

*the following 5 groups/training are delivered virtually and free of charge*

 

AVI Peer Support Group

For people with lived/living experience of substance use

Every Friday @ 12pm

Please call 250-940-3605 or email westshore@avi.org

 

Peer Health Educator Training

Six-week series starting November 2nd

For anyone aged 13-25 who are passionate about supporting their friends and community to incorporate harm reduction practices

Register by October 26th

Email sarah.graham@avi.org or text/call 250 480 8823.

 

Queerabilities Community Care Group

Mondays from 3:00 - 5:00 pm

For LGBTQAI2S+ folks who have disabilities to come together socially, get connected with resources, and learn new information and skills around wellness.

Email mwpsupport@avi.org

 

OD-Prep Knowledge Exchange Series

For peer-led group and community-based organization from across BC. Self-identify your team or nominate others to showcase you/their work.

Opportunity for these groups to connect virtually and learn from each other while also bridging a connection to the general public in support of de-stigmatization of drug use

Submissions accepted until November 20th

Contact essential.practices@phabc.org for more information


Peer Power Project Forum

December 11th-12th

Currently accepting submissions from peer-led groups and community-based organizations on Vancouver Island to showcase their work in harm reduction. A virtual forum will be held that focuses on peer voices in peer work for people who use drugs.

Contact jenni.fehr@avi.org or sage.schmied@avi.org for details and for an application form.

 

 

Ongoing peer-focused organizations

 

AVI

www.avi.org

Victoria: 250-384-2366

Westshore/Langford: 250-940-360

Nanaimo : 250-754-9111

Courtney/Comox : 250-338-7400

Campbell River: 250-830-0787

 

Peer Support work is available through AVI. AVI envisions a community where all people affected by HIV, HCV, or substance use have equitable access to the support and services necessary to experience optimal health and well-being.

AVI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages anyone who identifies as Gay, Bisexual, Two-spirit, Transgender and/or Queer to apply for any opportunities. People of colour, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities including those living with HIV are also encouraged to apply.

 

SOLID

Phone: (250) 298-9497

Location: Victoria.

Since 2003, SOLID has been committed to providing support, education and advocacy to better the lives of people who use drugs. SOLID is an organization of current or former illicit drug users in Victoria, British Columbia. They challenge personal and systemic injustice by promoting practical harm reduction strategies in our communities and our individual lives.

If you use illicit drugs (or used to), you are eligible to be a member of SOLID.

 

PEERS

https://www.safersexwork.ca/job-postings/

Line to Admin/Operations/Volunteers: 250-388-5325 Ext. 2

 

Location: Victoria.

PEERS is an innovative, multi-service grassroots agency that was established by, with, and for sex workers in 1995. Through direct service delivery and community partnerships, Peers provides an array of outreach and drop-in harm reduction and support services alongside education and employment training for current and former sex workers.

They are always looking for job applications from people with direct experience in any aspect of the sex industry. They encourage applications from Indigenous people, people of colour, queer people, trans people and people with disabilities.

 

Open Heart Collaborative

On Facebook: Open Heart Collaborative

Location: Nanaimo. 

Open Heart is a Peer-Run community group focused on trauma informed care and education, outreach, harm reduction, advocacy, consultation, education. Pro + drug users & sex workers. Emotional accessibility & safe spaces


IHRT

Email: indigenousharmreductionteam@gmail.com

Website: ihrt.ca

Location: Victoria. 

Harm reduction by and for Indigenous people including harm reduction education for Indigenous people, communities, nations, and service providers; and support for Indigenous people who use substances

IHRT often provide honoraria for naloxone training and other trainings.

 

Patient Voice Network (Island Health)

 

Location: Island wide. 

Follow this link to find opportunities available on Vancouver Island:

https://patientvoicesbc.ca/patient-partners/volunteer-opportunities/#vancouver-island

The vision of Patient Voice Network is that patients, families and health care partners co-design improved health care through authentic voice and diverse representation.

They have various volunteer opportunities, such as participating in advisory committees. They reimburse you for travel and other associated costs.


British Columbia Civil Liberties Association

 

Email: info@bccla.org

Tel: 604.687.2919

 

https://bccla.org/take-action/

 

Location: Across B.C. 

 

As Canada's leading civil liberties group, the BCCLA is actively working on issues such as police accountability, prevention of torture, privacy protection, drug policy, due process, freedom of speech, patients' rights, prisoners' rights and other emerging issues

 

The B.C. Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) is the oldest and most active civil liberties group in Canada. They are a group of citizens who volunteer their energy and talents to fulfill their mandate: to preserve, defend, maintain and extend civil liberties and human rights in British Columbia and across Canada.

There are various volunteer opportunities available with them. They also provide free workshops and trainings, including information on being a legal observer.

 

 

Victoria Disability Resource Centre

 

250-595-0044

817A Fort Street

 

https://drcvictoria.com/services/peer-support/

 

Location: Victoria. 

The VDRC’s goal is to provide and promote opportunities for people with disabilities to share information, ideas, life experiences and skills. They believe that it is through the context of a supportive peer environment that individuals can gain the skills and self-confidence needed to overcome barriers and learn to better manage personal and community resources.

 

VDRC offers peer support groups, a volunteer skills training program, and opportunities for further employment.

 

Peer Support Canada

 

https://peersupportcanada.ca/

 

Location: Island wide. 

In 2010, the Mental Health Commission of Canada and its Workforce Advisory Committee (WAC) identified an opportunity to transform the mental health system in Canada through the integration and promotion of peer support. Peer Support (Accreditation and Certification) Canada was created into carry on the work started by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, promoting the growth, recognition, and accessibility of peer support.

The organization developed a robust certification process for Peer Supporters and Family Peer Supporters, grounded in the Standards of Practice.

They offer a Peer Support training series. Phase one is $90. Phase two is $440. Phase three is $750, where you would do a practicum placement with guidance from another Peer Supporter. This training series would help you to gain paid employment as a Peer Support Worker with Island Health.

 

 

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