Peer Options
The Peer Options Program provides
a safe place to share with other adults
who have a lived experience with a
mental disorder and are now wellness
and recovery focused.
Together participants learn the value
and skills of building healthy friendships, the ability to develop peer
support networks and transition to the
community.
Clients start with the 9-week Art of
Friendship and transition into the Circle
of Friends drop-in group.
Peer Options Program staff conduct
transition investment sessions with
participants to discuss commitment
and personal learning goals. Staff
also assist participants to transition
to the Circle of Friends, an ongoing
peer support group for additional skill
In 2012-2013:
246
84%
adults participated in workshops, peer support groups, mentorship
and weekly socialization activities
82.5%
of participants surveyed said their
involvement in Circle of Friends
helped decrease their isolation
enhancement, or to set goals to transition to other community programs and
identify ways to achieve these goals.
Many graduates of the program give
back to the mental health community.
As peer support volunteers, they
offer inspiration, understanding and
mentorship.
117
new clients signed up
of participants surveyed said the Art
of Friendship helped them discover
different ways to develop healthy friendships
Leisure and Recreation
The Leisure Recreation program
contributes to client wellness and
community integration by providing the
means for adults with mental disorders
to participate and learn interpersonal
skills within the structure of social/
recreational activities.
Benefits of the Leisure Recreation
program include: increased opportunities for socialization and building
community networks, physical and
mental health enhancement, increased
recreational skills and activity interests,
promotion and involvement in leadership opportunities and the opportunity
to travel outside of Calgary.
Participating in activities with others
boosts self esteem, builds confidence,
promotes recovery and above all,
provides a safe, empowering venue for
clients to have fun.
The Leisure Recreation program
provides a graduated activity approach
to meet and further promote client
safety, ability and comfort. Levels
for various activities include starter,
mid-range and experienced, and all
activities are facilitated in a group
format. Movement between these
groups is fluid and is based on goals
set by the individuals as well as the
evaluation of the Leisure Recreation
Coordinators.
In 2012-2013:
170
87%
clients participated in the program
of clients surveyed
reported improvements
in their wellness since they began the
program
87%
community
149
activities/group sessions took place
reported they feel
more connected to the
84%
reported their social/
relationship skills have
increased through participation in the
program
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