
Peer Support Programs
A strong support network can help you overcome bullying incidents or rough life patches in general.

Learn how they work and how you can get started.
Why are they
Important?
Unity & Belonging
Research shows that loneliness is rising, leading to an increase in depression and anxiety.
Peer support programs provide a safe place for those affected to voice their opinions and share experiences.
Structured Problem Solving
These programs use a range of tools and methods designed to help youth understand and overcome challenges, equipping them with skills and coping techniques to better-face future challenges.
Overall Wellbeing
Providing a network for youth to thrive in while also giving necessary support can vastly improve the day-to-day lives of everyone involved.
Simply having someone to talk to can make all the difference.
Models of Peer Support Programs
One-on-One Mentoring
If you’re looking for a more personal experience, this is a great way for youth to seek out dedicated mentors offering tailored support.

These often result in thriving relationships for those that may be missing an influential figure in their lives.
Programs like KidStart facilitate these connections, leading to personal growth for everyone involved.

Peer Education Programs
Rather than traditional authority figures like teachers, these involve older students offering advice instead.

It can be daunting to share experiences with adults, so having student mentors take their place can provide more relatable and applicable advice.
UBC’s Peer Health Program equips students with skills to foster empowerment and support within educational settings.

Peer-Led Groups
These can provide participants an equal opportunity to steer discussions and activities. Leaders can be pre-determined or chosen by the rest of the group.

Taking part in peer-led groups can help you break out of your comfort zone to develop self-confidence.
The Mood Disorder Association of BC offers opportunities for support and shared learning, fostering a sense of belonging among participants.

Online Support Programs
If you’re not ready to take the leap into in-person events or meetups, these can be a great option.

Many provide anonymity for those concerned with being judged. They aren’t tied to a physical location either, making them a lot more flexible.
Foundry BC facilitates peer support interactions, enabling individuals to engage in conversations and activities from their own homes.




read
hear words
see pictures or graphics
see and hear a film or demonstration
say - take part in a discussion or give a talk
do - Take Part in a Role-play or Simulation, Do it for Real
How Peer Support Programs Work
Whether you’re building one yourself or looking for personal support, knowing how these programs work can help you determine how effective they’ll be or if they’re right for you.
Passive Learning
Read
In a peer support context, this might involve studying books, articles, or guidelines on providing support.
Reading is important, but it’s also the least engaging and therefore the least effective method on its own for retention and skill development.
Hear Words
Lectures or influential guest speakers can also be used in peer support training to introduce concepts or share knowledge.
Regardless of how persuasive a presentation may be though, they’re still less engaging than hands-on methods.
See
Looking at pictures or graphics can help in understanding concepts in a peer program.
Some examples can be flowcharts of conversation techniques, infographics on signs of common mental health issues, or diagrams that map out the support process.
Active Learning
See & Hear
Peers are able to show examples of successful interaction by using video sources or demonstrating scenarios live.
Say
Don’t be afraid of your voice! Open communication and honesty is a key element in building relationships with your peers.
Being vulnerable about your experiences and learning will help you grow in discussion opportunities.
Do
Students can act out scenarios in a peer support program to apply learned techniques in a controlled environment to overcome challenges together.
Maximizing
Effectiveness
Active Listening
Simple gestures like nodding and smiling can help speakers know you’re engaged.
You can reassure them of their experiences by asking questions or by summarizing their points, but be mindful of interrupting; wait for them to finish speaking.
A Safe Environment
Peer programs thrive on the foundation of providing a respective, non-judgemental space for people to share experiences.
Great program leaders will take the time to check in on everyone and make sure their opinions are heard.
Recognizing Diversity
It’s important to learn about and acknowledge societal injustices to understand where those seeking help may be coming from.
Peer support groups are a great way for everyone to develop a deeper societal and cultural understanding.
Setting Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries early on like time and location can help to establish a routine. It’s also important, however, to recognize that others have their limits too.
Some may use these programs as a way to simply be heard rather than to seek counselling.