PEER HELPING PROGRAMS

• To provide a safe non-threatening environment of help for seniors encountering difficulties.
• To develop a pool of emotional support to seniors by seniors.

• S.H.A.R.E.  is a peer helping program. They provide courses in basic listening and helping skills.
• Peer helpers are volunteers, 55+ who are trained in helping other peers to live to their full capacity.
• Operating in Kitchener Seniors’ Centres since 1987.
• Two distinct components of S.H.A.R.E.: volunteer training and the service that volunteers provide.
• Over 200 people have taken S.H.A.R.E. training course.
• Run by a volunteer board of S.H.A.R.E. graduates.

• "Peer Helper Training- We offer volunteer training sessions for seniors helping seniors. Develop ways to share your life experience and work on your communication skills in a fun experiential learning setting. Call 519-741-2576 or e-mail wendy.fifield@kitchener.ca for more information.

• Volunteers provide the services while staff provide the support.
• Information services at Rockway will be offered every afternoon through the hostess desk.
• Caregiver support group is run by trained peer helpers.
• One to one support through matches by the Peer Helper Coordinator.
• Peer Helpers also provide support through other community contacts (church, apartment building)
• Information events for older adults offered twice per year.

• Peer Helper Coordinator hours are shared with Bridging The Gap and New Beginnings.

• Ministry of Health and the city of Kitchener’s Department Of Community Services support this program.

New Beginnings - A project under the direction of S.H.A.R.E.

• To offer peer support and a caring support system for bereaved persons over age 55.
• To provide training in grief support to men and women who have experienced the loss of a loved one and are willing to help an individual facing a similar loss.

• Operating at the Seniors’ Centres since 1994.
• Three-year grant from Health Canada ended in June 1997.
• Run by a volunteer Board of Directors under S.H.A.R.E.

• Volunteer peer helpers have specialized grief support training and S.H.A.R.E. training.
• Peer helpers are supported by the Peer Helper Coordinator.

• One to one peer helping and support group sessions are run at no cost to the participants.
• Peer helpers are matched with bereaved on a one to one basis.
• Peer helpers facilitate two support groups of 10-12 individuals from September to May.
• Peer helpers organize an annual Christmas Social.
• Peer Helper Coordinator does intake, matching and resource development.

• Peer Helper Coordinator hours are shared with Bridging The Gap and S.H.A.R.E.(Senior Helpers Aiding Retirees through Experience)

• The Ministry of Health and the City of Kitchener’s department of Community Services supports this program under S.H.A.R.E.

For more information contact Wendy (see home page)