Communitas Supportive Care Society's Peer Support Program is designed to provide support to people who have mental illnesses (consumers), such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder & depression. The goal of the program is to train and support consumers who have walked the walk of mental illness and survival to become peer mentors. We serve people within the communities of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack & Hope, British Columbia, Canada.

This is what Larry, a Peer Support worker, has to say about his experience in the program:

"Peer Support is a very important job to me. Through it I've received a better understanding of mental illness. My self-esteem has grown since I started helping people through this program. My appearance and over-all health has changed. On top of that, I work with a great group of people, and I have two terrific clients. I find this a challenging and rewarding job.

"I don't know if I can adequately express the benefit that becoming a peer support worker has had on my life. I'm learning healthier ways of thinking and behaving. I'm learning about boundaries and more effective communication. As well as the value of discipline, responsibility, how to own my feelings, or just to be a little thicker skinned sometimes. I feel that I am more assertive now. To see growth in my clients gives me hope for the future. It's inspiring for both my clients and for myself."