What is Peer Mentoring
Peer mentoring is a relationship between an individual with a disability who has lived successfully through specific experiences (peer mentor) and now wants to aid another individual with a disability who wants to make their own successful adjustment and experiences.
Peer mentoring is a form of mentorship that usually takes place between a person who has lived through a specific experience and a person who is new to that experience. An example would be an experienced consumer with Spinal Cord Injury being a mentor to a newly injured consumer, on how to run a consumer directed program. This program is offered to GSIL consumers who participate in our Personal Care Service self-directed programs.
What is Peer Support
Peer Support is a system of giving and receiving support, information and guidance founded on the key principles of respect, shared responsibility and mutual agreement. It is where colleagues, members of self-help organizations and others meet, in person or online, as equals to give each other connection and support on a reciprocal basis.
At GSIL we believe that helping others is not just something we do, but something we live by.
GSIL Volunteer Peer Mentor Program
This program is designed to assist individuals with disability to work with a Mentor who understands what they are going through.
Peer Mentor Program offers:
- 1-1 conversation with someone who has personal knowledge
- Aid with managing services like the PCA/PSCP program
- Links to resources and information
- Assistance with navigating a system that is not always accessible
When additional help is needed, hands on guidance for supporting Peers