Integrating Peer Support Workers into Mental Health Programs

Abstract

Objective: Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region (CMHA Calgary) works to reduce the impact of mental illness and addiction in the community. This is actioned through mental health programming focused on education, prevention, and early intervention. The organization places high value on the inclusion of lived experience in mental health programming in the form of Peer Support (PS). CMHA Calgary’s five-year strategic plan included a goal to formally integrate Peer Support Workers (PSWs) into all established programs with thought and intention. Research Design and Methods: CMHA Calgary integrated peers into mental health programs using a collaborative and developmental approach. The project team developed an evaluation framework as a guide to collect feedback and understand the impact of the pilot initiative. Results: This approach allowed for real-time responses and data collection, which lead to rapid action to improve the approach before it was spread to other programs. The project allowed for the development of program materials for future application. Conclusions: This project provided CMHA Calgary with tangible, actionable information on how to integrate PSWs into all of their programs.