PeerWorks - Formerly OPDI

05/09/2025

We are so excited to announce that we are collaborating with Mental Health Innovations Consulting, Peer Support Canada, and St. Joseph's Hamilton on a national conference that will take place in Ottawa from May 12-14, 2026! The "Power of Peer Support" Conference 2026 is Canada’s national gathering of peer support experts, leaders, researchers, and decision-makers. Over 500 changemakers will unite to advance peer support as a vital, evidence-driven solution for mental health and substance use health across workplaces, communities, and clinical care. You can access information on the call for abstracts: https://www.powerofpeersupport.ca/call-for-abstracts/

Please save the date and stay tuned for information on registration and a full agenda.

22/08/2025

We are looking for facilitators for the first PeerTalks session on Burnout (September 12th). If you would like to apply, please send your expression of interest to info@peerworks.ca with the subject line: PeerTalks Facilitator {Date and Session Topic}
Include a short paragraph explaining:
1) How you would facilitate your chosen topic
2) Your knowledge and experience related to this topic

If you are selected, you will receive an honorarium. Only those selected will be contacted. Thank you in advance to everyone who applies, we appreciate your interest and participation!

PeerTalks by PeerWorks is back this fall by popular demand! This virtual space is designed for peer support workers and volunteers working across the peer support sector to connect. Starting on September 12, we will host a session every second and fourth Friday of the month until December 12th. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to his online conversation if it takes place during your designated lunch hour. Please note, each session is independent of each other (not a series). When you register, you will receive a link that can be used for the session you're interested. You can access the registration page by scanning the QR code or visit the link: https://www.peerworks.ca/news-events/events/other-events/peertalks-fall2025

15/08/2025

PeerTalks by PeerWorks is back this fall by popular demand! This virtual space is designed for peer support workers and volunteers working across the peer support sector to connect. Starting on September 12, we will host a session every second and fourth Friday of the month until December 12th. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to his online conversation if it takes place during your designated lunch hour. Please note, each session is independent of each other (not a series). When you register, you will receive a link that can be used for the session you're interested. You can access the registration page by scanning the QR code or visit the link: https://www.peerworks.ca/news-events/events/other-events/peertalks-fall2025

29/07/2025

We are hosting an informational session this Thursday for folks who have been curious of PeerWork's Peer Support Core Essentials Training. Please join us at 12 PM EST on Zoom for an hour-long info/Q&A session. You can register here: https://www.peerworks.ca/news-events/events/other-events/peer-support-core-essentials-training-informational-session-july-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawL1yCVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYVTlObEFCVkJ3Vk00TE9wAR561WfJWqMFtpurwSJRwpJM0Anpeswc3DGS4MpFcx4tGX2xlZs8W9UUnSQeIA_aem_5pfmNeNF_0bE2T2WOzwamw

11/07/2025

We are hosting morning and evening sessions of our renowned Peer Support Core Essentials Training this September! We are also hosting an info session on July 31st for those who want to learn more before signing up! You can scan sign up for either by scanning the QR codes in the poster or click on the links here:

Informational session: https://www.peerworks.ca/news-events/events/other-events/peer-support-core-essentials-training-informational-session-july-2025

Trainings: https://www.peerworks.ca/training-education/training-professional-development

19/06/2025

We have an evening Peer Support Core Essentials Training coming up from September 8 to November 15 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-8 pm! You can sign up here:

PeerWorks Peer Support Core Essentials™ Program involves 17 two-hour webinars.  The synchronous sessions include individual exercises, ...

30/05/2025

This week, we hosted our 2025 conference in collaboration with Peer Support Canada! This year's conference, "Strength in Equity and Diversity: Amplifying Voices, Ensuring Sustainability, and Building Stronger Peer Support Futures" received a record number of proposals and the highest attendance of any in-person PeerWorks conference. We are so grateful to everyone who presented and participation in this year's conference! Read all about it in our blog: https://www.peerworks.ca/resources/blog/strength-in-equity-and-diversity-reflections-from-the-2025-peer-support-conference

30/05/2025

30/05/2025

We want to take a moment to shamelessly brag about our amazing Program Manager for Peer Support Services, Arif!

Recently, Arif was awarded the Theresa Claxton-Wali Community Impact Lighthouse award by PeerWorks - Formerly OPDI . This award is in recognition of the winner’s unrelenting commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals with lived and living experiences of mental health and substance use challenges.

“Arif’s unwavering dedication to peer-led approaches has empowered countless individuals to reclaim their voices, build community, and thrive.”
We are fortunate to have you on our team, Arif. Congratulations!

26/05/2025

The PeerWorks and Peer Support Canada Peer Support Conference, "Strength in Equity and Diversity:
Amplifying Voices, Ensuring Sustainability, and
Building Stronger Peer Support Futures" began today! We are grateful to Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Vijay Thanigasalam who gave the opening remarks at our conference! We also had an incredibly insightful keynote session by Robyn Priest! You can view our conference program with a description of the sessions from today here: https://www.peerworks.ca/conference/2025-conference

26/05/2025

Jaime Delaney, our Peer Support Coordinator, will be speaking at the 2025 Peer Support Conference in Toronto today about providing support for folks living with eating disorders.

Eating Disorders Novas Scotia has been providing peer support for over 25 years; recently opening access to anyone across Canada through Body Peace Canada, our national Peer Support program. Jaime will be sharing strategies for creating safer spaces for those impacted by eating disorders guided by the core values of peer support.

Peer Support Canada
PeerWorks - Formerly OPDI