About Us

Consumer Involvement and Initiatives

“The history of the consumer movement highlights the importance of critique, collaboration, participation and continuous renegotiation of the terms on which mental health care is built.”

The Consumer Involvement and Initiatives is an umbrella program that amplifies the consumer (service user) voice within Vancouver Community Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Consumer Involvement includes research, representation on boards and committees, strategic development and general employment opportunities.

Consumer Initiatives are a range of services led by and for consumers providing creative opportunities to encourage individuals to explore activities that support recovery and includes designated peer delivered services including the Vancouver Peer Support program, the Consumer Initiative Fund, and Peer Led Workshops.

Consumer Initiative Fund

The Consumer Initiative Fund supports projects proposed, managed and led by consumers of mental health services in Vancouver. Participation in this initiative, as committee members or project managers, enables individuals to develop leadership and business skills while providing rehabilitation and recovery opportunities for other service users.

Individuals involved in all aspects of the Consumer Initiative Fund have lived experience as recipients of mental health services.

Peer Support Worker Program

The Peer Support Program provides an opportunity for persons who have received mental health services to call upon their experience to provide relevant goal-based support to youth, adults and older adults who have serious and/or persistent mental illness.

Peer Support Workers are individuals with lived experience of mental illness who have graduated from a Peer Support Worker Training Program. These individuals work on a contracted basis one to one with clients who access Vancouver Mental Health and Addiction programs and services , providing support to achieve personal goals, to learn new skills, and to link with community resources.

Peer Support Worker Training is provided through Vancouver Mental Health and Addiction and other organizations. In Vancouver community program sites, Peer Support Workers do not do group work.

Access to receiving peer support is by referral from staff where a client is receiving services.

For information about becoming a Peer Support Worker and training, please call 604-708-5276.