The Peer Options Program provides a group support environment where adults with a mental illness can further their health and well being by reducing isolation and building social skills. Clients learn the skills of friendship building, meet new people, and learn coping and wellness skills.

Getting Started
Ongoing Peer Groups
Peer Mentors
Joining the Program
Referral & Assessment Forms

Getting Started
All new participants in the Peer Options program begin with the 9-week Art of Friendship group. This is an interactive, psycho-educational learning workshop that helps build self awareness and interpersonal skills through topics such as human behaviour, responsibility & commitment, values, boundaries & trust, as well as dealing with conflict. After completing these workshops, clients transition to the weekly Circle of Friends peer support group.

*The Summer Session Art of Friendship groups begin in July. See the schedule here.

Ongoing Peer Groups
The Peer Options Program also offers the following regular peer groups:

Social anxiety solutions
This is a volunteer-facilitated group whose objectives are to:

• Create a safe, supportive, confidential environment
• Help each other set and fulfill wellness goals
• Share resources and knowledge and create strategies for overcoming fearful situations.

Workplace Solutions peer support group:
Workplace Solutions offers a safe and anonymous environment where you will meet others with similar interests.This objectives of this group are to continue to grow in relationships with people in the workplace, in school, or in the participants' role as volunteers. It is a support group for those seeking, sustaining and/or upgrading employment.

The goals of this group are to increase and strengthen self-esteem, confidence and practice interpersonal skills.

While Peer support is not intended to replace treatment, or counselling, it does provide support for those who are in recovery and wellness-focussed.

Peer Mentors
Volunteer Training and Peer Mentoring are a big part of the Peer Options program. Many participants and community volunteers become highly-trained peer mentors, who give back to the community and offer great inspiration and support to others in the program.

Joining the Program
The Peer Options program is available to adults within Calgary and area who live with a mental health concern. Program participants must be motivated to decrease their isolation, take greater responsibility in their wellness and recovery process and be prepared for group involvement.

Self-referral may be accepted, but it should be noted that this program does not provide individual client services. People requiring such should continue to see a qualified mental health specialist.

Referrals may be faxed to:

Canadian Mental Health Association
Attention: Joan Landsiedel
Fax : (403)270-3066

Peer Options Program Forms:

• Referral Form
• Request for Release of Information