Peer-Led Programming
At OICH, a fundamental pillar in our healthcare service, design, and delivery is informed by the inclusion of people with lived and living expertise (PWLLE). Each of our services is created with intention based on emerging community needs as identified by the community. PWLLE understand their situation best and are our best teachers on how to support the community. For us, this is what it means to design services through harm reduction, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive lenses.
Block Leaders
How do you restore balance in a community which has been devastated by poverty, homelessness, the toxic drug overdose crisis and COVID measures? How can those who are often seen as “the problem” become leaders in the solutions? The Block Leader Initiative was an idea that came from the community. It is an investment in developing leaders from the homeless and substance-using communities and supporting their efforts to restore positive aspects of street culture and thereby reduce social disorder using a “by us, for us” approach. Beginning in July of 2023, Block Leaders performed acts of community service intended to improve the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works or visits the Byward Market 7 days a week. While some of the work is practical, such as handing out water on hot days or picking up garbage in the neighbourhood, the primary focus of their work is creating positive human connections through modelling compassion and kindness. The program has only grown, and we are excited to see what it will become!
Peer Overdose Response Team
At our Rita Thompson Residence, resident leaders run a peer overdose prevention team (POP) to keep the building residents safe. The in residence POP team who live there are the eyes and ears on the ground. Through room safety checks, safer use education and overdose response, the POP team keeps the residents safe. We are incredibly proud of the leaders in this building.
Indigenous Program Peer
Meet Rocky! Rocky has been part of OICH since 2021 and plays a key role as a Program Peer across multiple units and programs. He provides program support, peer support, accompaniment, and more. Rocky is also deeply involved in our Indigenous services. He accompanies clients to Misiwe Ni Relations Lodge, runs weekly healing circles, and leads Indigenous memorial services at our quarterly Celebrations of Life. Currently, he is undergoing formal training to become an Indigenous healer. We are so grateful for all that you do, Rocky! He is a dedicated peer, deeply valued by both clients and colleagues, and has been instrumental in strengthening our Program Peer initiatives.
Program Peers
Aligning with our commitment to peer support and the value of lived experience, we have various Program Peers working across our different supportive housing units and shelter-based programs. These peers use their lived experience to connect with clients, provide peer support, and help bridge the gap between service users and our staff and programs. They also assist in running different activities and groups, accompany clients to appointments, engage in advocacy, and provide overall program support. We strongly believe in ensuring clients have access to meaningful support and recognize the strength and insight that lived experience brings to our services.
Life Process Program
The Life Process Program (LPP) is a peer-led program that trains peer coaches to support participants as they move through program modules at their own pace. Unlike many traditional programs, LPP does not define “addiction” as a disease but rather as an adaptive response to life’s challenges. People are not “sick” and definitely not “powerless” and, with the right flexible and person-centred approach, can make different choices about their relationship with substances based on their own goals and values. Participants go through three phases:
- Self-Realization – Recognizing personal strengths, skills, and values.
- Self-Efficacy – Asking whether their actions align with their skills and values, and exploring why or why not.
- Self-Responsibility – Gaining the confidence and tools to take charge of their own lives and make meaningful changes that fit their goals.
LPP helps people realize control in a way that works for them, creating a future that reflects their needs and choices.
Block Leaders
How do you restore balance in a community which has been devastated by poverty, homelessness, the toxic drug overdose crisis and COVID measures? How can those who are often seen as “the problem” become leaders in the solutions? The Block Leader Initiative was an idea that came from the community. It is an investment in developing leaders from the homeless and substance-using communities and supporting their efforts to restore positive aspects of street culture and thereby reduce social disorder using a “by us, for us” approach. Beginning in July of 2023, Block Leaders performed acts of community service intended to improve the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works or visits the Byward Market 7 days a week. While some of the work is practical, such as handing out water on hot days or picking up garbage in the neighbourhood, the primary focus of their work is creating positive human connections through modelling compassion and kindness. The program has only grown, and we are excited to see what it will become!
Peer Overdose Response Team
At our Rita Thompson Residence, resident leaders run a peer overdose prevention team (POP) to keep the building residents safe. The in residence POP team who live there are the eyes and ears on the ground. Through room safety checks, safer use education and overdose response, the POP team keeps the residents safe. We are incredibly proud of the leaders in this building.
Indigenous Program Peer
Meet Rocky! Rocky has been part of OICH since 2021 and plays a key role as a Program Peer across multiple units and programs. He provides program support, peer support, accompaniment, and more. Rocky is also deeply involved in our Indigenous services. He accompanies clients to Misiwe Ni Relations Lodge, runs weekly healing circles, and leads Indigenous memorial services at our quarterly Celebrations of Life. Currently, he is undergoing formal training to become an Indigenous healer. We are so grateful for all that you do, Rocky! He is a dedicated peer, deeply valued by both clients and colleagues, and has been instrumental in strengthening our Program Peer initiatives.
Program Peers
Aligning with our commitment to peer support and the value of lived experience, we have various Program Peers working across our different supportive housing units and shelter-based programs. These peers use their lived experience to connect with clients, provide peer support, and help bridge the gap between service users and our staff and programs. They also assist in running different activities and groups, accompany clients to appointments, engage in advocacy, and provide overall program support. We strongly believe in ensuring clients have access to meaningful support and recognize the strength and insight that lived experience brings to our services.
Life Process Program
The Life Process Program (LPP) is a peer-led program that trains peer coaches to support participants as they move through program modules at their own pace. Unlike many traditional programs, LPP does not define “addiction” as a disease but rather as an adaptive response to life’s challenges. People are not “sick” and definitely not “powerless” and, with the right flexible and person-centred approach, can make different choices about their relationship with substances based on their own goals and values. Participants go through three phases:
- Self-Realization – Recognizing personal strengths, skills, and values.
- Self-Efficacy – Asking whether their actions align with their skills and values, and exploring why or why not.
- Self-Responsibility – Gaining the confidence and tools to take charge of their own lives and make meaningful changes that fit their goals.
LPP helps people realize control in a way that works for them, creating a future that reflects their needs and choices.
