Peer Support – Family Support Group & Drop-in Services Starting January 2025
Posted on
The John Howard Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (JHS-NL) has partnered with Lifewise – Mental Health Peer Services, Department of Justice and Public Safety and Women and Gender Equality to offer its first Peer Support Program.
This partnership allows JHS-NL to offer peer support for participants and their families to assist in recovery and overcoming the challenges and barriers associated with involvement in the criminal justice system.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada states, “peer support programs work by offering people support, encouragement, and hope that recovery is possible. Peer support considers the wellness of the whole person and focuses on health and recovery rather than illness and disability, in order to assist people in finding their own path to recovery.” (https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/what-we-do/access/peer-support/?jsf=jet-engine:media-list&pagenum=2).
Peer support does not replace clinical intervention, its purpose is to support individuals along their journey and compliment any clinical treatment a person may be receiving.
Our peer supporter offers lived experience with addictions, trauma and incarceration. There are two programs being offered in January 2025.
Family Support Group
This group will be held weekly, every Tuesday 5:30-6:30pm commencing Jan 21, 2025. This group is open to anyone who needs support coping with their friends/family having current or past involvement with the criminal justice system.
Drop-in Service
This service is available every Monday 8:30-4:30pm and is available to anyone who would like to drop by and speak to a person with lived experience. This service is voluntary and is offered individually.