Welcome to Peer Alliance Community

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A peer is a person we identify within some capacity. This connection might be based on shared experiences, age, gender, cultural background, sexual orientation, or other aspcts of identity. 

In behavioral health, a peer typically refers to someone who has personal experience living with a mental health diagnosis , and or substance abuse. While shared mental health or substance use experience is important, there are often other factors that help shape someone's sense of "peerness" in mental health.

In peer support there are people who share common experiences or face similar challenges. They come together as equals to give and receive help based on the knowledge that comes through shared experience. 

When we face something difficult, we ofter turn to people who have been there before. Peer support creates spaces for individuals to feel less alone and learn from others who have face similar challenges. 

Peer support focuses on the individual's empowerment through demonstrating hope, focusing on strenghts, centering choice, providing education, and offering knowledge and resources. The core principles that ground peer support work ensure that resources are recovery-oriented, person-centered, voluntary, relationship-focused and trauma-informed.