Waterloo Region Peer Program celebrates 25 years of peer-led programming at 20 community sites

On November 27th, over one hundred people gathered at Chandler Mowat Community Centre to celebrate 25 years of peer-led programs. The celebration showcased the many programs run by peer workers through the Waterloo Region Peer Program. The event provided an opportunity to hear why being a peer worker makes a difference in the lives of 5000 people every year, how healthy eating can be both fun and affordable, and how building friendships provides the foundation for healthier communities.

Through the Waterloo Region Peer Program, 36 Peer Health Workers and Community Nutrition Workers deliver programs in 20 different neighbourhoods. These peer workers are supported by funding from the Region of Waterloo and trained by Public Health to deliver child health and nutrition programs in their neighbourhoods. Each program is unique and is determined by the needs and strengths of the community. For example, in one program, a peer worker may hold a weekly drop-in for parents in their low-income neighbourhood where they discuss parenting strategies and build relationships that can make a real difference for new parents struggling with isolation. Another may coordinate workshops for recent immigrants on parenting in Canada, helping children be more physically active or settling into schools. In another neighbourhood, the peer worker will run a culturally diverse community kitchen program where neighbours explore cooking nutritious and balanced meals on a tight budget.

Peer workers are especially effective at connecting with people and sharing helpful information and skills so that individuals and families can become healthier. One participant in a peer led program related that, “I am a more confident mom by coming to these meetings. You hear other parents going through the same thing and you learn so much.” Another participant shared that, “It’s a pleasure to have someone from your own community who speaks your language and knows your culture to bridge the gap between you and the community resources.”

Our Place Family Resource and Early Years Centre has been a long-time partner in the Peer Program. “This program is a successful partnership between Public Health and community-based organizations to increase the health of individuals and families across the Region”, says Dorothy Snyder, Executive Director of Our Place. “It benefits the families in the programs, and provides opportunities for the professional and personal development for the peer workers themselves. What makes this program so valuable is that grass roots community organizations are able to deliver programs in a manner best suited for their community”.

To find out more about the Waterloo Region Peer Program, see www.regionofwaterloo.ca/peer

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For more information, contact: Candace Harrington, 519-883-2244 CaHarrington@regionofwaterloo.ca