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About PeerWorks

helping hand

Welcome to PeerWorks

PeerWorks is an organization of organizations.

Our members are mental health Consumer/Survivor Initiatives and Peer Support Organizations across Ontario. These organizations are run by and for people with lived experience of a mental health issue or addiction issue. Our members provide a wide range of services and activities within their communities. No two are the same, but all approach their activities from the common understanding that people can and do recover with the proper supports in place, and that peer support is integral to successful recovery. Most of our member organizations work with their local mental health system tables to bring the consumer voice to service planning, evaluation, and coordination, and provide direct informal or formal peer support and self-advocacy support to individuals.

PeerWorks in turn brings the voice of these organizations to provincial-level policy and planning processes, research projects, and system advocacy issues.

Mission

PeerWorks’ mission is to strengthen and promote diverse peer voices in Ontario, through community building, information-sharing, collaboration, advocacy, and education.

Vision

A world in which lived experience is valued, peer autonomy and peer culture are protected, diversity is respected, and peer support is available to all.

Values

Lived Experience and Experiential Knowledge

PeerWorks values lived experience and the skills and knowledge gained through experiencing mental health and/or substance use concerns, and navigating systems and related systemic barriers, stigma, and discrimination.

Independent Peer Voice

PeerWorks is member-driven and rooted in and accountable to the history of the Consumer/Survivor movement and sustaining an independent, peer voice.

Diversity as Strength

PeerWorks advocates for social justice, equity, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and inclusion. We respect and value all people and embrace diverse experiences related to race, religion, spirituality, ethnicity, gender identity, age, class, income, sexual identity, disability, geographic location, and unique life experiences.

Hope and Wellness/Recovery

PeerWorks believes in the right of each individual to self determine their own approach to wellness/recovery and to learn from their peers.

Integrity, Transparency, and Honesty

PeerWorks acts with integrity, transparency, and honesty in all its relationships and partnerships.

Innovation through Partnership and Collaboration

PeerWorks is committed to building and fostering an innovative peer community through partnership and collaboration. We are stronger together than alone.