Second Annual Recovery Summit September 22, 2011 North York, Ontario 0 Year 1and 2 Evaluation Outcomes

What is PREFER? PREFER is an innovative education program designed to build personal and system capacity for employment and to promote a recovery-supporting workforce. A commitment to mental health recovery underpins the program. PREFER is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation

The objectives for PREFER are: 0 To establish a personal foundation of recovery for participants 0 To nurture a critical perspective regarding personal and systemic factors that support recovery 0 To develop skills and capacities to deliver wellness and recovery programs in the workforce 0 To create recovery-supporting workplaces 0 To facilitate a supportive network of peers

The key points for evaluation were: How has the program affected your personal recovery? How has the program affected your sense of comfort and confidence in work or education and employment status. What programs have you completed in our program? How much have you implemented certifications?

Why evaluate PREFER? 0 Funders require it…. 0 Identifies areas for improvement….. 0 Supports a growing body of evidence regarding the impact of peer support and recovery education for participants… 0 Therefore, these kinds of initiatives ought to be funded – building the peer workforce.

0 To compare this program with other funded programs, we needed to say that we were working with the same people, experiencing the same barriers. 0 To do this, we needed to ask questions we weren’t happy with – and for that we did, and continue to apologize.

The key barriers to work that participants report are: 0 Confidence 0 Financial issues (fees for training/tuition, transportation, & time off) 0 Mental Health problems (next slide) 0 Time Pressures/Responsibilities (work, family, self) 0 Systemic issues (discrimination; lack of jobs) 0 “Gaps”

What are the core programs and their completion rates? 0 Introduction to WRAP 85 participants 0 WRAP Facilitator Certification 69 participants 0 Pathways to Recovery Facilitator Training 55 participants 0 Like Minds: Peer Support Education 78 participants 0 Gaining Autonomy with Medication 61 participants 0 Crisis Intervention / Suicide Prevention 70 participants

Outcomes 0 There is evidence of a net increase in employment for people who are participants of the program. 0 23% have become part time (21%) and full time (2%) students in a formal education program. 0 Interestingly, for the group in their second year with PREFER (2010 cohort) 70+% are currently employed in Peer Support roles; less than 15% of Year 1 participants (2011 cohort) are currently employed in Peer Support roles.

71% of participants are volunteering 0 According to participants: Volunteering links to employment because it provides a structure to learn and practice skills and build strengths that increase my confidence and self-esteem. It adds experience to build a resume and a personal network that can/has led to work. It gives the sense of accomplishment and fulfilment, and belonging and contributing to society which support recovery.

More Year One Outcomes: 0 40% report an increase in comfort & confidence in applying for work 0 32% report an increase in comfort & confidence in attending a job interview 0 50% report an increase in comfort & confidence in searching for and applying to a formal education program 0 12% have developed a resume since starting PREFER – 78% have updated their resume

0 These results suggest that PREFER is having a positive effect on employment for its participants.

Does supporting participant recovery make a difference? 0 74% of participants believe there is a link between their recovery and their comfort and confidence to find/work 0 64% report PREFER made quite a bit of difference in there recovery and 28% report it had a positive impact – stronger effect for those in the program longer 0 45% describe themselves as a lot more hopeful now 0 93% of participants have developed Personal Wellness Plans

PREFER affects personal recovery by: 0 …Underlined my strengths, given me a sense of empowerment, provided me with a larger community, encouraged me to share and strengthen my resources… 0 I don't feel as alone in the world. I don't think my issues are as 'unique' (in an unsolvable kind of way). I feel more connected to the human race. I feel more integrated within myself and society…. 0 …Enhanced my network of support & learning/ development; Allowed me to practice my skills; Provided an arena to validate and articulate my emerging beliefs about sustainable wellness and recovery... 0 …Created a space for like-minded people to intentionally grow and develop…

More examples… 0 …I have learned that recovery is possible; I see it in my peers 0 …monthly support groups to learn from others in the same work field & with similar issues. Workshops helped to create deeply supportive relationships with peers. WRAP & Pathways have been particularly helpful for recognizing triggers & keeping a balanced lifestyle... 0 … Trainings taught me not only how to support others, but how I can support myself…I have gained self confidence & analytical thinking skills which have benefitted me in my return to University… 0 … It widened my view on recovery issues. It gave me sense of being a part of the movement. I met like-minded peers & seeing their success & determination helps me to look forward in to future...

Tackling Barriers to Employment… 0 47% report that participating in PREFER has made a substantial difference in how their “symptoms” negatively impact their work; 21% report less impact but are gaining more awareness. 0 36%* of participants who were using conventional services are now using less 0 28%* who were using conventional crisis services are using less 0 38% increase in new CSI users! *Last year we wondered if these results were an anomaly – this year the results are stronger!

Effects on Conventional Service use Since PREFER…. 0 I "use" services for my own recovery/benefit 0 I plan before I go what I want and don't want; I am more selective; I look for services that support my recovery 0 I ask more questions; I am more candid and questioning. 0 I am able to better switch between the language of the conventional system, recovery language, and my own language I use to describe my discovery. 0 I have learned to be more assertive; I approach services with a lot more confidence 0 I am a stronger advocate for myself.

Has/How Has PREFER affected your use of Crisis Service? 0 I act sooner 0 I have a depth of understanding about recovery 0 I have more friends; I use peer support now; 0 I understand the limits of crisis programs; 0 I have increased awareness of self/triggers 0 I am aware of and comfortable to use alternative supports/resources 0 Wider variety of coping techniques to stay well 0 I feel more stable overall 0 I have a plan.

0 With these results, PREFER is building the case for more peer support…

Year 2 Outcomes: Becoming a Peer Supporter 0 39% of Participants report a significant increase in skill & comfort in providing peer support with a person in distress and 43% for supporting a person in an extreme state. 40% of participants report an increase in skill & comfort talking with a person who is expressing a wish to harm themselves, or is suicidal 0 These results are substantially higher than Year 1; The improved outcomes in Year 2 suggest a cumulative effect of the Program.

Rolling out WRAP 0 This year, 27% of (2010) participants are facilitating WRAP groups – a 21% increase from Year survivors have completed WRAP that was facilitated by a PREFER participant (100% increase from Year 1) 0 83% of participants are using the principles of WRAP in their individual or group work with peers (20% higher application in 2010 cohort – again, supporting cumulative change)

What is the impact of PREFER Participation: 0 53% say PREFER improved their skill & comfort in Peer Support in a substantial way; 30% more say it has had a positive impact 0 79% describe themselves as feeling more capable as an advocate and leader.

So far….. Three trends are not only emerging (as we thought last year) but are being verified over time:  PREFER is improving employment and making a difference in employment potential for participants  Personal recovery is linked to employment  Peer Support, including the peer support of the program is effective. Increasing Peer Support is reducing use of conventional crisis and mental health services, and improving their effectiveness Therefore – more peer support is required and PREFER appears to be a good program to support their education !

Questions?