Addictions and Mental Health Ontario 2016 Toronto Community Addiction Team Cathie Adams, Peer Leader Nadia Wali, Peer Program Coordinator Funded By:

Toronto Community Addiction Team Provide community based, mobile, intensive case management – Eligibility: Complex substance use issues and 8+ admissions to wms in the previous 12 months or 5+ visits to emergency departments in past 2 months or 20+ visits to emergency departments in past 12 months Voluntary program Harm reduction Client-directed service

TCAT Services Intensive Case Management SHPPSU Initiative Voluntary Trustee Program Psychiatry Clinic Primary Care Clinic Peer Training and Development Program

4 Client & Case Manager Advocacy Navigation & Access Support & Relationships Trusteeship Education & Awareness Crisis Services Primary Care Specialty Care Toronto Police Service / Jail Justice / Probation Officers CASH/SHPPSU Supportive Housing Providers Transitional Housing Shelters Acute Care ODSP/ OW Addictions Services Peer Supports WMS CCAC CDSS Community Support Services Community Task Forces & Coalitions

Peer Training and Development Program Objectives: – Improved client ability to pursue ongoing vocational goals – Promote personal recovery, community integration and increased quality of life – Translation of ‘unmet needs’ to ‘met needs’ within the OCAN – Strengthening of support networks for TCAT clients – Improved ease of navigation of services – Strengthened transitions between services and sectors – Increased service capacity/reduced wait times for complex clients

Peer Training and Development Program Structure of Program Over the course of 1 year, 36 TCAT and SHPPSU clients are invited to apply and participate in a 9-11 week training cycle, topics include: – Introduction, Peer Work and Harm Reduction – Ethical Issues & Boundaries – Communication and Conflict resolution – Self-care and relapse prevention – Trauma – Anti-discrimination and advocacy – Safety, First Aid and overdose prevention – Teaching Independent living: shopping, cooking and cleaning (2 weeks) – Community resources and peer job descriptions

World AIDS Day 2015

Peer Training and Development Program Once training is complete, there is a graduation ceremony and the graduates have an opportunity for paid work, such as: – Providing support and education for newly housed TCAT clients – Community advocacy campaigns, events, groups and networks – Facilitating social and recreational activities – One on one meetings with TCAT clients – Other tasks assigned based on skills set, interests and long term goals – Creative direction; peers are involved in determining their own work and leadership

Peer training session, February 2014, regarding conflict resolution skills

Growth of the Peer Program to Adapt to Needs -Increased work hours -Increased training -Contract employment opportunities -Partnerships with external agencies

Health Outcomes of Participating in Peer Program Continuum of Care (being a bridging point) Increased physical health, well being and quality of life Greater understanding for both peers and staff on the effects and impacts of substance use

Social Outcomes of Participating in Peer Programs -Relatability -Provide Hope -Building Confidence -Employment Program -Provide Structure and routine -Positive social interaction

Effectiveness of Service Delivery -Share demands of case load with case managers -Case managers can learn from peers -Relatability to clients -Peers learn more about substance use from clients that they are supporting which results in greater self awareness and empathy

Peer Quotes “Its been important to share because you’re with your peers and you don’t feel judged. I don’t feel judged in that room” “Leading up to my illness and my battles with alcohol and mental illness the group has made it a lot more accessible to talk about issues” “I’m fascinated by the project because I’m interested in working with people in a grassroots way” “It says I’m not alone in my desire to help my community even though I suffer with my battle with alcohol and mental illness. It says I am still of value”

Graduation Day

World Pride 2014

Annual memorial event to celebrate those we have lost. Began in memory of a TCAT client who started the Strawberry Socials in the 80’s Ice Cream Social

My experience with the TCAT Peer Training and Development Program

Thank you!! Nadia Wali Peer Program and Transition Coordinator Toronto Community Addiction Team St. Stephen’s Community House P: ext 3214 C: