Peer Support Pilot Program

As part of the five-year mental health strategy, the peer support program is a shared initiative between Canada Post and the Association of Postal Officials of Canada (APOC).

What is a peer support program?

A peer support program offers emotional and social support to people dealing with varying levels of stress or challenges, up to and including mental health issues and illnesses. By establishing trusting relationships with others who have similar lived experiences, peer support programs provide social connection and help create a safe environment for individuals in need.

Other benefits include promoting and sustaining a culture of wellness, providing non-judgmental support for people struggling with work, personal, or mental health challenges, and removing barriers to inclusion.

What is the role of a peer supporter?

Peer supporters are warm, empathetic and non-judgmental individuals who have a genuine interest in providing support by sharing their own lived experiences when they are contacted by a peer.

Effective peer supporters have communication and listening skills that encourage honesty, openness and clarity. They respect the right to self-determination while empowering and encouraging peers to explore options and co-create new ideas. They know when the time is right to share aspects of their own lived experience in a way that is relevant, insightful and hopeful. They have a high regard for the emotional and physical safety of their peers and ensure that confidentiality is always protected within legal limits.

How do I become a peer supporter?

Apply to become a peer supporter if you have the following minimum criteria:

• two years of APOC team leader experience in Operations within the past three years;
• good coaching and/or communications skills;
• experience with challenges regarding work, mental health/mental illness and/or addictions;
• commitment to self-care through stress management and building resiliency;
• the ability to detect stressors and triggers leading to unhealthy attitudes and behaviour;
• the ability to relate to peers;
• willingness to be assessed by a psychologist for suitability as a peer supporter and;
• working within one of the pilot directorships listed below.

To ensure peer supporters have the capacity to support their teams, candidates will be asked about their language abilities. Employees who are interested but currently on a Performance Improvement plan (PIP) are asked to wait for future opportunities.

Eligible directorships:

Will there be any training or support?

Candidates who are accepted as peer supporters will receive three days of in-person training through our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider (Homewood Health), with focus on communication, decision-making and support skills, as well as crisis management and community support services. Ongoing individual and community support will also be offered to ensure the psychological health and safety of the peer supporters. Additionally, peer supporters will be supplemented with relief hours.

How do I apply?

You can apply by clicking on this link. We will accept applications from July 24 to August 19 at peersupport@canadapost.postescanada.ca

Is there a screening process?

To ensure candidates are suited to the role of a peer supporter, Homewood Health will arrange for applicants (who meet the minimum criteria listed above) to take part in a one hour interview with a psychologist external to both Canada Post and Homewood Health. Psychologists as regulated healthcare professionals are required to maintain client confidentiality. No information will be made available to Canada Post or Homewood Health.

Who can I contact for more information?

Contact one of the program leads or email peersupport@canadapost.postescanada.ca.

• Rachel Lafontaine, National President, APOC
• Leah Lewis, Director, Health
• Dana Leblanc, 2^nd National Vice-President, APOC
• Carolyn James, Manager, Workplace Mental Health