Caregiver Peer Mentorship Program
A volunteer peer mentorship program creating a safe space from a lived experience perspective
At Surrey Place, we understand that a circle of care includes a community of peers who know what you’re going through and can give you advice based on personal experience. That’s why we created the Caregiver Peer Mentorship Program to help parents connect with one another and feel less alone.
I first heard about the council while volunteering for Surrey Place’s Symphonic Passion Chorus and I was excited about the opportunity! I saw the importance of self-advocacy and the joy that comes from helping others. At every meeting, I’ve taken on a leadership role in guiding the conversation. READ MORE
Mentees and mentors are matched based on the best fit for specific needs. Families can be matched based on children’s diagnosis, specific life experiences (i.e. transition to school, transition to adulthood), or similar situations (i.e. single parent, new to the community).
Every mentor-mentee relationship is different and is entirely dependent on the goals of the mentee and mentor. Match relationships can last from one (1) phone call to up to 6 months, as mutually agreed upon.
Being part of a mentor-mentee relationship can be a truly rewarding experience for both mentors and mentees!
Mentors are parents or caregivers with lived experience caring for a child or adult with a disability. There are many advantages of being a mentor. These include positive feelings of “giving back”, increased feelings of connectedness with Surrey Place and the developmental services community, and personal fulfillment.
Mentor responsibilities include:- Understanding and respecting every person’s unique situation
- Providing helpful and active listening
- Providing support based on the mentee’s specific needs
- Being supportive and non-judgmental
- If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please submit a resume to caregivermentorship@surreyplace.ca. If selected, mentors will participate in an interview with a member of the mentorship team.
There are many advantages of becoming a mentee. These include emotional support and understanding, immediate connection to a caregiver while you may be waiting for service, knowledge sharing, and reduced isolation.
Mentees participate in the mentorship program to:- Speak to another parent who has been through a particular situation or challenge
- Feel more connected to Surrey Place or another Surrey Place family
- Enhance their current network and feel heard
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