Are you looking for a meaningful way to help out your peers?

The Assiniboine Community College Students’ Association, in collaboration with Assiniboine Community College, originally launched the Peer Support Program on May 1st, 2023. The Peer Support Program is intended to connect students with their peers to help them thrive academically, while fostering a supportive relationship. The Peer Support Program encourages mental, physical, spiritual and social wellness by teaching Peer Support volunteers how to support students.

The ACCSA will be looking to train more students in October of 2024. If you’re interested in taking part in the Peer Support Program, please email Alyshia Holden, Program Coordinator of the ACCSA, at kelberta@assiniboine.net.

FAQs

What is Peer Support and Why is it Important?

Peer support services connect students to their peers, and to the community. Peer support involves at least two individuals with a shared or similar experience, who mutually work on building a relationship for self-development and growth for both parties. In a peer support relationship, the topics discussed are normally stigmatized by others (mental health concerns, for example.), but by sharing their own stories, peer supporters work to remove that stigma by validating others’ experiences.

Students may not realize the severity of their situation and start to fall behind in school. For the students that do recognize their situation and would like to receive assistance, they may not know where to access help or may have had a negative experience that’s deterring them from reaching out to other supports. Peer support volunteers are by no means mental health professionals. However, the peer support program can provide an additional layer of support and resources inside and outside the college for the students in a more familiar and accessible setting.

How can I speak with a Peer Support Volunteer?

If you are interesting in being connected with a Peer Support Volunteer, you can reach out to Alyshia who is our Program Coordinator. Alyshia can be reached through email at kelberta@assiniboine.net. Alyshia will work with you to set up your first meeting with one of our volunteers.

NOTE: Reaching out is completely confidential and your information will not be shared without your consent.

Is there a cost to speak with a Peer Support Volunteer?

Absolutely not, this is completely free!

How often will I get to speak with a Peer Support Volunteer?

This will be decided between you and the volunteer. You will set up a schedule that works for the two of you.

How do I become a Peer Support Volunteer?

There is a 15-hour Peer Support Training that needs to be completed before you can be a volunteer. This training is managed through the ACC Students’ Association.

The next training will be in October 2024. If you are interested in taking the next training, please complete the following form and Alyshia Holden will reach out to you once it is scheduled: 

https://forms.office.com/r/zUqN8VD6rx